At the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) in Rome, Odessa's Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov held a meeting with Italy's Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli and the leadership of the Central Institute for Restoration.

Alessandro Giuli first visited Odessa in August 2023 after the missile strike on the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, marking the beginning of collaboration with Italy in the field of cultural heritage restoration, particularly focusing on the cathedral's roof and other sites.

This work is ongoing, and as part of Italy's governmental support, the third key component of the project is commencing: the creation of educational programs in restoration, heritage preservation, and cultural support. This initiative will be implemented jointly with the Central Institute for Restoration.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the initiative to create a new space in Odessa — the “Italy” park. This will be a modern public space similar to the Istanbul and Greek parks, symbolizing partnership between the two countries. The Italian Minister of Culture supported the idea. All necessary information will be provided shortly, and Odessa hopes for further support from Italy and the European Parliament for the project.

Gennadiy Trukhanov expressed gratitude to Alessandro Giuli for his continued attention to Odessa.

“Our collaboration is not just about restoring objects; it is about restoring identity, memory, and trust,” said the Mayor of Odessa.