Since 2015, the city’s slogan has been: Damme gives time.
Slowing down and quality of life come first in Damme — for both residents and visitors. Leave the hustle behind and enjoy the peace, the space, and the green polder landscape! The city and its authentic boroughs give you time for discovery, connection, and personal development.
Cittaslow
The City of Damme holds the international Cittaslow label. This label has been awarded since 1999 to cities and towns that aim for the highest possible quality of life for their residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors.
The philosophy behind Cittaslow (Slow City) is focused on people in a sustainable environment — a high-quality landscape and a strong social fabric. Innovative, yet respectful of origins, identity, and cultural history. Keywords include authenticity, hospitality, respect, time, and attention for one another.
Currently, 307 cities worldwide carry the official Cittaslow label. In Belgium, these include Beauvechain, Chaudfontaine, Enghien, Estinnes, Jurbise, Maaseik, and Silly.
From the Cittaslow Manifesto:
-
A Cittaslow stands for quality of life
-
A Cittaslow is a community and fosters social cohesion
-
A Cittaslow preserves and develops valuable landscapes and biodiversity
-
A Cittaslow maintains traditions and embraces innovation
-
A Cittaslow values quality
-
A Cittaslow brings meaning to the relationship between city and countryside
“We are looking for cities where people are still curious about the past, cities rich in theatres, squares, cafés, workshops, restaurants, and spiritual places — cities with unspoiled landscapes and charming artisans, where people are still able to recognize the slow passing of the seasons and their genuine products, with respect for taste, health, and spontaneous habits…”
“From the experience of Slow Food and Cittaslow, a new cultural and scientific approach has emerged: from food to agriculture, from agriculture to the environment, from the environment to a pleasant living space. The Cittaslow stands at the heart of ‘slow’ areas and a new awareness of citizenship and human rights.”
More info: www.cittaslow.be and www.cittaslow.org