Pilsen, a western Czech city best known for its beer, was selected to be the 2015 European Capital of Culture - a European Union title it will share with the Belgian city of Mons - says jury head Sir Robert Scott.

Europe's culture capitals put on a full year of cultural events and have a chance to draw funds to revamp their culture infrastructure.

Pilsen, a city of 170, 000 with a conservative reputation, beat Ostrava, a north-eastern Czech city with a coal mining past, by one vote in the contest for the title.

The city, whose candidacy received a blessing from Pope Benedict XVI, plans to turn a historical brewery into a multi-genre cultural centre and build a new theatre.

"You have a tough job ahead of you. It is a fantastic opportunity," said Ann Branch, head of culture programmes with the European Commission.

The nomination has yet to be formally approved by EU leaders.

The first Czech European culture capital was Prague in 2000.