ROME, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The north-central city of Parma has been chosen among 10 finalists to be the Italian capital of culture in 2020, Italy's government announced Friday.

Every year since 2014, Italian cities compete for the prestigious grant of 1 million euros (about 1.24 million U.S. dollars) "to pursue a sustainable development model putting culture at the center of social, economic and civil growth," the culture ministry said in a statement.

Parma's proposal showed the best "management of creativity in view of overall sustainability," Culture Minister Dario Franceschini said in announcing that the jury had unanimously chosen Parma for 2020.

Parma Mayor Federico Pizzarotti expressed "happiness" and "great satisfaction" on behalf of the city and its inhabitants.

Located in the wealthy north-central Reggio Emilia region, Parma is the birthplace of acclaimed orchestra conductor Arturo Toscanini and of the world-famous Parmesan cheese.

Among its chief attractions are a splendid Romanesque cathedral with dramatic Baroque frescoes by Correggio, a 12th-century octagonal Baptistery in pink marble, and the Teatro Regio, a 19th-century opera house.

Past winners of the Italian capital of culture grant include Mantova in 2016 and Pistoia in 2017. Palermo is the current winner, to be followed by Matera in 2019.