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Learn about Roanoke’s 7 sister cities (on four different continents!)

By Aila Boyd

January 28, 2025

Explore Roanoke’s seven sister cities across four continents, showcasing vibrant cultural, educational, and economic exchanges that foster global connections.

Roanoke has built meaningful connections with cities across the globe through its Sister Cities program. These relationships, established over decades, foster cultural, educational, and economic exchanges, highlighting the importance of global cooperation and mutual understanding. Currently, the Roanoke Valley maintains partnerships with seven sister cities on four continents, each offering unique insights into their culture and history.

Learn about Roanoke’s 9 sister cities (in 9 different countries!)

Then-Vice Mayor Joe Cobb at a Sister Cities conference. (Roanoke Valley Sister Cities)

1. Florianópolis, Brazil

Established as a sister city in 1995, Florianópolis is the capital of Santa Catarina state, located on Brazil’s Atlantic coast. The city comprises one main island, a mainland section, and several smaller islands, with a population exceeding 400,000 residents and a metropolitan area nearing 800,000. Known for its dynamic atmosphere, Florianópolis boasts over 40 beaches and lush Atlantic Coastal Forests, making it a premier tourist destination. The city’s Azorean Portuguese heritage is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural traditions.

The Roanoke/Florianópolis Sister City Committee has supported “Love’s Little Nest,” an orphanage and school for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Since the partnership’s inception, reciprocal visits have facilitated cultural exchanges in the arts, economic development, social services, and academia, strengthening the bond between the two cities.

2. Kisumu, Kenya

Partnered with Roanoke since 1976, Kisumu is a lake-port city on Lake Victoria in western Kenya, with a population exceeding 700,000. As Kenya’s third-largest city, Kisumu serves as a vital commercial and transportation hub, connecting the region via rail, road, and waterways. The city’s proximity to natural attractions, such as the Maasai Mara game reserve, enhances its growing tourism industry.

Roanoke’s relationship with Kisumu has supported technological programs, scholarships, orphanages, and HIV/AIDS care. Collaborations include partnerships with Agape Children’s Ministry, Salem Orphanage, New Life Babies Trust, and Kisumu Hospice. Initiatives to provide clean water through rural wells have also been implemented, improving the quality of life for Kisumu’s residents.

Learn about Roanoke’s 9 sister cities (in 9 different countries!)

Bill Modica with Ruphina Okeyo in Kisumu, Kenya. (Roanoke Valley Sister Cities)

3. Lijiang, China

Since 1996, Roanoke has shared a sister city relationship with Lijiang, located in Yunnan Province near the borders of Sichuan, Tibet, and Myanmar. Known as “Beautiful River,” Lijiang is nestled in a high valley of the Hengduan Mountains, an area often referred to as “Shangri-la.” The city is renowned for its stunning scenery, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest gorges.

Lijiang’s ancient Dayan Town, with its waterways and preserved architecture, is recognized as the “Venice of the Orient” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s rich cultural tapestry includes the Naxi people’s traditions, Dongba murals, and ancient music, making it a cultural melting pot. The partnership with Roanoke has facilitated cultural and educational exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding.

4. Opole, Poland

Roanoke County entered a sister city partnership with Opole on Nov. 30, 1994. Situated in Poland’s Silesian Lowlands along the Odra River, Opole has a population of approximately 130,000 and covers about 60 square miles. Established between 1211 and 1217, the city is a significant industrial, trade, banking, cultural, and educational center.

Opole hosts numerous annual cultural events, including the Festival of Polish Songs and the Annual Theater Review “Polish Classics.” The partnership with Roanoke has enabled exchanges of cultural and social information, enriching both communities and providing insights into each other’s local government operations.

5. Pskov, Russia

Since October 1992, Roanoke and Pskov have engaged in a sister city relationship focused on humanitarian, educational, and medical initiatives. Located near Russia’s western border, Pskov is one of the country’s oldest cities, with a rich historical heritage.

The partnership has facilitated the provision of medical supplies and equipment to Pskov’s hospitals, orphanages, and hospices. An agreement between Ferrum College and Pskov State University has enabled student exchanges, fostering academic collaboration. Visits between the cities have strengthened personal and cultural ties, promoting mutual understanding.

6. Saint-Lô, France

The sister city relationship between Roanoke and Saint-Lô was established in 1995. Located in Normandy, Saint-Lô has a poignant connection to American history, particularly through the events of World War II. The city was liberated by the U.S. Army’s 29th Division, which included many Virginians, on July 19, 1944.

Today, Saint-Lô is a thriving town of 25,000, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The partnership with Roanoke has facilitated cultural exchanges, including guest artist exhibits and business internships, strengthening the bond between the two communities.

Learn about Roanoke’s 9 sister cities (in 9 different countries!)

A French group visits Poplar Forest while in the U.S. (Roanoke Valley Sister Cities)

7. Wonju, South Korea

Roanoke’s oldest sister city relationship, established in 1964, is with Wonju, South Korea. Located approximately 87 miles southeast of Seoul, Wonju has a population of over 350,000 and is known for its picturesque, mountainous surroundings in Gangwon Province.

Wonju is a dynamic modern city with a pollution-free environment, offering various cultural and recreational amenities, including festivals like the Chiak and International Walking Festivals. The city prioritizes higher education, hosting institutions such as Halla University and Yonsei University’s Wonju campus. The partnership with Roanoke has led to cultural, educational, medical, and artistic exchanges, including visits by youth delegations and medical students, fostering a deep and lasting connection.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.Learn about Roanoke’s 7 sister cities (on four different continents!)Learn about Roanoke’s 7 sister cities (on four different continents!)

  • Aila Boyd

    Aila Boyd is a Virginia-based educator and journalist. She received her MFA in writing from Lindenwood University.

CATEGORIES: LOCAL HISTORY
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