You've probably noticed road signs proclaiming "...twinned with..." throughout the county borough. But what does it mean?
The term "twinning" is the means by which we describe a special relationship between two communities, usually in different countries, where those communities have identified common interests and hopes.
For more information about twinning in Caerphilly county borough go to the visit the twinning website.
Caerphilly County Borough Council is twinned with Ludwigsburg in Germany and Pisek in the Czech Republic.
Ludwigsburg
Ludwigsburg, which was founded in the 18th Century, is situated 15km from Stuttgart on the banks of the Neckar river. It boasts Germany's largest and best-preserved Baroque Palace, which houses part of Ludwigsburg's renowned porcelain factory.
The official friendship with Ludwigsburg began in 1960 with the former Caerphilly Urban District Council and was continued with Rhymney Valley District Council until 1996, when Caerphilly County Borough Council took over the twinning arrangements.
The partnership is more than just a civic link and strong friendships have been made with many sections of the community. Over the years links have been forged between the young people of the area and their european "twins". Youngsters of all ages and abilities have taken part in exchange visits including school groups, choirs and sporting clubs.
Visit the Ludwigsburg website
Pisek
In June 1994 a twinning partnership was set up between Islwyn Borough Council and Pisek, which has been continued by Caerphilly County Borough Council. Since that time many exchanges have taken place representing all quarters of the community.
The picturesque town of Pisek lies sixty miles south of Prague in the Czech Republic. The town's history dates back to the 13th Century and has developed over the ages into a fashionable holiday resort surrounded by forests. The old town centre of Pisek has been declared a historic site. The town has a population of approximately 30,000 and is the administrative centre for some 60,000 people.
Visit the Pisek website