Our History 

Saluda, NC and Carunchio, Italy were officially joined as Sister Cities in 2015. The towns have amazing similarities….approximately the same population numbers and dynamics, same altitude and same latitude.  What began as visits by Saludians to Carunchio’s fabulous Palazzo Tour D’Eau, a restored 1700’s French Palace built by wealthy vintners, turned into a love affair between the two peoples.   Both cities have elementary schools, and the schools and children have connected in ways that enhance the understanding of different cultures, introduce new foods, foster friendships, and offer opportunities for art and creative expression.  The children exchange books, letters, drawings, videos, emails and stories about their lives, schools and towns. We provide Saluda Elementary with needed supplies and events to enhance their learning of other cultures.