Six Cultural Routes have received Best Practice Awards at the Council of Europe's 2024 Annual Consultative Forum in Hungary. The initiatives showcase innovative approaches to promoting cultural heritage, youth engagement and sustainable tourism across Europe, and exemplify the program's role in preserving the continent's diverse identities.
By Creatives Unite Newsroom“Best Practice of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe” was announced during the closing ceremony of the 13th Annual Advisory Forum of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, on the 27th of September. A “Best Practice Award” was given to six certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe for their efforts in promoting cultural heritage through innovative practices. The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Program's mission is to share how the heritage of the different countries and cultures of Europe contributes to a shared and living cultural heritage. The award ceremony seeks to reward local cultural organisations that operate to fulfil this.
The forum, which took place from 25-27 September in Visegrád, Hungary, centred around the theme "Transmission and Innovation: Fostering Youth Participation along the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe." The event explored how cultural heritage could serve as a conduit for engaging young people and transmitting traditional practices to the next generation. The forum showcased successful initiatives that leveraged digital tools, social media, and interactive experiences to spark the interest of youth. Panels and workshops delved into strategies for intergenerational transmission of traditional knowledge and skills, ensuring they were not lost but rather adapted and renewed.
Recognising the complex geopolitical climate in Europe, the event also explored the role of young people in safeguarding cultural heritage amidst adversity, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Since 1987, the organisation has worked with dozens of grass-roots organisations interested in preserving the heritage of walkways, tours, hikes, and rambling spots.
The Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe that connects 10 European countries along the Danube frontier of the Roman Empire. It showcases the region's rich cultural heritage, including archaeological sites, Roman architecture, and the long-standing tradition of winemaking inspired by the Romans. The members of the Cultural Route carried out research on cultural heritage surrounding wine in the post-covid era from January to June 2024. The report offered valuable insights into nine key topics explored in the research along the Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route. It highlighted the strengths and potential of the participating localities in promoting cultural tourism.
The Phoenicians' Route is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe that traces the ancient maritime trade and cultural exchange networks of the Phoenician civilization across the Mediterranean. It aims to promote the region's shared cultural heritage and foster intercultural dialogue among the participating countries. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its certification as a “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe,” the network organised a series of events throughout 2023 and 2024. These included conferences, exhibitions, and other cultural activities held across various member countries, such as Cyprus, Italy, Spain, and Malta. These events aimed to strengthen the cultural ties between the countries involved, promote shared heritage, and foster mutual understanding. The anniversary celebration highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation in Europe and emphasised the role of these routes in preserving and promoting Europe’s diverse cultural history.
The Women Writers Route is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe that highlights the lives and literary contributions of women writers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It connects significant locations associated with these writers, offering guided tours, events, and conferences to promote their visibility and legacy in European history and culture. The guided tour on International Women’s Day honoured remarkable women who pursued literary careers in Gorizia and Nova Gorica, located on either side of the Italian-Slovenian border. This literary walk united the two towns, once divided by the Iron Curtain, into a single urban area, celebrating their shared history and the significant female figures—women writers of diverse backgrounds—who wrote in Slovenian, Italian, and German. Check out the dedicated website.
The Leonardo Da Vinci Route is a new Cultural Route of the Council of Europe that follows the footsteps of the renowned Renaissance polymath. It connects sites across Italy, France, Slovenia, and Turkey that were significant to Leonardo's life and work, showcasing his diverse legacy in art, science, and innovation. Fifty-three artists created artworks to present their interpretation of Leonardo's legacy in the contemporary world. The collection, which includes paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art, was assembled into an exhibition, along with accompanying catalogues and brochures. The project has garnered notable interest, particularly from young people and school administrations.
The European Cemeteries Route is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe that connects significant cemeteries across the continent. These sacred spaces offer insights into local histories, cultural identities, and shared European heritage. The route encourages visitors to explore the tangible and intangible legacies preserved within cemeteries, promoting diversity, memory, and democratic values. The Association invited its members to take part in the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries, centred around the theme "Cemeteries as Green Oases," encouraging visitors to reflect on their role in urban sustainability. Twenty-two members from seven European countries participated, organising over 30 events focused on sustainability. These ranged from guided tours and exhibitions to open calls for incorporating new sustainable practices in cemetery management.
The Iron Age Danube Route is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe that connects archaeological sites and museums along the Danube River, showcasing the region's rich heritage from the last millennium BC. Visitors can explore reconstructed settlements, burial mounds, and other artifacts that reveal how the Iron Age landscapes and communities were shaped along this major waterway. The 16 years old students of the Požega High School attended every month the “ArcheoGim”, a two-hour course given by Iron Age Danube’s Route staff. The educational programme consisted of lectures, workshops, and field training on the Kaptol archaeological site. They learned about archaeology, tourism, and the value of the "Iron Age Danube Route" heritage. The pilot project was successful as the students enjoyed and actively participated in the Hallstatt festival of revived history, from preparation of Hallstatt food, Iron Age weaving or restoration of ceramics.
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Images: © Council of Europe
