"Cultural Routes in Europe are more than paths - they are bridges between people, histories, and traditions," said Rui Gomes, Director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) in Vila Real, Portugal, this week.
He was there to accept the prestigious XXIX International Prize Grupo Compostela-Xunta de Galicia award on behalf of the European Institute of Cultural Routes, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to European cultural cooperation and heritage preservation. The awards ceremony took place at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro in Vila Real during the XXXI General Assembly of the Compostela Group of Universities.
Solidarity across the continent
In his acceptance speech, Mr Gomes - who is also Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe - emphasised the enduring importance of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme, launched in 1987 with the Santiago de Compostela Declaration. He described it as a living network that fosters intercultural dialogue, democratic values, and community engagement across the continent.
In a gesture of solidarity, the prize money will be used to support Ukraine's participation in the Cultural Routes programme, reinforcing the Council of Europe's commitment to inclusivity and cultural resilience in times of crisis and war.
The route from Compostela to today
Cultural Routes offer countless opportunities to engage with Europe's cultural landscape. The programme currently includes 49 certified Cultural Routes, each exploring diverse themes of European memory, identity, and cultural cooperation.
From the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim routes - the first certified route - to newer circuits celebrating music, architecture, and minority cultures, these peregrinations offer incredible experiences connecting travellers across the continent.
The European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) is the technical agency of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme that plays a vital role in:
- Promoting sustainable tourism
- Encouraging cross-border cooperation
- Preserving intangible heritage
- Fostering education and youth engagement
- Strengthening European identity
A prize rooted in European values
Established in 1996 by the Compostela Group of Universities in collaboration with the Regional Government of Galicia, the international prize honours individuals and institutions that strengthen the European dimension in education, culture, society, and politics. It also celebrates efforts to promote European unity and safeguard the cultural legacy of the Camino de Santiago.
With its pan-European scope and dedication to building bridges between communities through shared heritage, the European Institute of Cultural Routes exemplifies these values perfectly, and is a worthy winner.
Discover the 49 certified Cultural Routes
XXIX International Prize Grupo Compostela-Xunta de Galicia
European Institute of Cultural Routes
Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Routes
