"In the footsteps of Saint Paul, the Apostle of the nations" - Cultural Route

European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC)

A Cultural Route highlighting the cultural values, heritage and legacy of Saint Paul’s missions to Europe,
to honour Saint Paul, as the Apostle of the nations, through his epistles and intangible heritage in literature, arts, history, philosophy, theology and Christianity in Europe,
towards regenerating the European ideals, with sustainable cultural tourism development and promotion along the route in several countries, regions, cities, islands, local communities and tourist destinations

Cultural Route Theme Research and Development by Academics and Experts

The Cultural Route theme has been researched and developed in depth by several academics and experts from several European regions, particularly from the partner regions of Pafos, Cyprus, Central Macedonia, Greece and Lazio, Italy. The teaching and legacy of Apostle Paul has been the subject of extensive research and study by many scholars in the past. For the Cultural Route development, the founding partners had extensive discussions during the Cul-RInG Interreg Europe project (2017-2021), including with academics and experts, which led to the founding of the EGTC and the Cultural Route application for certification. More specifically, experts from the partners met on several occasions, viz:

Kick-off meeting that took place in Thessaloniki and Veria, Greece, in June 2017, with study visits in Veria, St Paul’s tribune and St Paul cultural centre, as well as to Archaeological Site of Aigai (Vergina) UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby.
Thematic Workshop in Vastra Gotaland region, West Sweden and study visit on the Cultural Route St Olav Ways, in April 2018.
Study Tour in Lazio Region, where partners experienced on the ground the Via Francigena Cultural Route, as well as Via Appia Antica – Cammino di San Paolo, in May 2018.
Meeting in Brussels with Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in June 2018, at the request of the Council of Europe/EICR; with participation of religious/pilgrimage Cultural Routes: St James Way, EAVF, St Olaf Ways, as well as The Hansa, Phoenicians and Iter Vitis (June 2018). The MoU on the EGTC establishment was signed at that time.
Meeting in North Portugal (Alto Minho, Vianna de Castelo and Ponte de Lima) in September 2018, with study visits to Santiago de Compostela Cultural Route.
Thematic Workshop on Cultural Route development in Pafos, Cyprus, October 2018, with study visits to St Paul's pillar, Chryssopolitissa chrch and UNESCO World Heritage Site Archaeological Park.
Staff exchanges between the founding partners.
Regional Stakeholder Group meetings.
Meeting in Brussels, during European Week of Regions and Cities, October 2019.
Final Conference, Online, May 2020 (with representatives of European Parliament, Europa Nostra, European Travel Commission, representatives of other Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, such as Phoenicians, Iter Vitis and The Hansa).