Cyril and Methodius Route – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe

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Cyril and Methodius Route

Cultural Route of the Council of Europe

EXPERIENCE | KNOWLEDGE | AWARENESS

Discover a profound, eleven-century-long impact
on the cultural history and cultural identity of the Slavs

Get to Know
the Cyril and Methodius Route

Exploration connected with movement in nature and visiting cultural sites nad institutions that preserve cultural heritage of the Slavs. Hike on the trails of the Route, discover cultural heritage of Cyril and Methodius or get acquainted with the Association. Then find out more information about this unique Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.

Hiking Trails

Welcome to the Route with more than 5000 km of hiking trails. 

Heritage Alive

Discover locations connected with Cyril and Methodius Cultural Heritage.

Association

European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius (ECRCM)

Prepare for Your Hiking along the Route

Prepare for your adventure! Whether you’re planning a day hike or a multi-day trek, careful preparation is key. Ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey along this historic path.

Cyril and Methodius Route

ITINERARIES

Embark on a unique historical and cultural adventure along the Cyril and Methodius Route! We've meticulously prepared recommended itineraries, broken down into manageable daily stages, to help you experience the full breadth of this fascinating Route.

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Passport and commemorative lists

PASSPORT AND COMEMORATIVE LIST

Embark on a meaningful journey along the Cyril and Methodius Route, capturing your experiences with the official Passport by collecting stamps from various locations along your path.

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Blog

BLOG

Discover fascinating stories, practical tips for planning your own adventure, and valuable insights into the cultural significance of the route. Your one-stop shop for everything  Route awaits – start exploring stories today!

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Help Us Enhance the Cyril and Methodius Route!

If you’ve explored the beautiful trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route and would like to share your experiences or information, we invite you to contribute to our tourism project! Your input can help us create a richer, more informative experience for future travelers.

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Explore Archaeologically and Culturally Significant Localites

Beyond the trails, discover a wealth of archaeologically and culturally significant sites that illuminate the legacy of Cyril and Methodius. From ancient basilicas and monasteries to medieval castles and open-air museums, these locations across Europe offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of the two saints and their enduring influence. Each site tells a unique story, enriching your understanding of this pivotal period in European history and culture. Begin your journey of discovery today!

DISCOVER THE LOCALITIES
PUBLICATIONS

Latest from Cyril and Methodius Route.

Are you interested in what has been happening on the Route? We provide you with news about cultural events, itineraries, conferences and workshops and much more. Scroll down with the mouse and click on any image below. You can check out the calendar of events which can be found in the main menu of the website.

Cyril and Methodius Route on Radio Proglas

7th July 2025, Czech Republic

The European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius (ECRCM) Association has established a media partnership with the Christian Radio Proglas. This collaboration has resulted in an hour-long interview with representatives of the Cyril and Methodius Route and the preparation of a summer broadcast series of audio reports. These reports will introduce important locations included in the network of this cultural, pilgrimage, and tourist project.

Cyril and Methodius Route Renews Certification as Cultural Route of the Council of Europe


16th June 2025, Luxembourg

The Cyril and Methodius Route has successfully defended its prestigious title as Cultural Route of Council of Europe . This ensures its continued place among the 49 certified cultural routes, the most famous of which is the Way of St. James. In 2021, the Cyril and Methodius Route became the first route recognized by the Council of Europe focusing on the Cyrillo-Methodian heritage, which is primarily linked to the culture of Slavic countries—language, script, and cultural and spiritual tradition. This unique recognition, comparable in significance to a UNESCO inscription, aids in the development of international cultural tourism in all participating countries.

International Art and Literary Symposium ORA ET ARS – SKALKA 2025

 

From 9th to 14th June, Skalka near Trenčín, Slovakia

The oldest pilgrimage site in Slovakia – ancient Skalka near Trenčín – will once again welcome artists this year for the 18th International Art and Literary Symposium, ORA ET ARS – SKALKA 2025.

We’re pleased to confirm that, following the express commitment of the main organizers (the City of Trenčín and the Trenčín Cultural Centre, under the auspices of the Trenčín Self-Governing Region) and with the consent of Nitra Bishop H.E. Mons. Viliam Judák (as the Skalka Pilgrimage Site falls under the administration of the Nitra Diocese), we’ve proceeded with preparations for the 18th edition of the event. From June 9-14, 2025, visual and literary artists from Slovakia and abroad will create their works within the Small and Great Skalka complex, especially inside and outside the newly built pilgrimage house at Small Skalka.

CYRIL AND METHODIUS CHILDREN'S PASSPORT: FUN CULTURAL ADVENTURE CONTINUES THIS YEAR


From June to September 2025, Slovakia

The Cyril and Methodius Children’s Passport is an educational travel guide that playfully leads families with children along the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Slovakia, specifically in the Bratislava, Nitra, Trnava, and Žilina regions. This year, the Children’s Passport also offers visits to historical sites in Moravia. It’s an attractive option for families planning active summer getaways. This seasonal cultural tourism product deepens knowledge about the legacy of the Byzantine missionaries and allows children to explore history in a fun way. Kids will be thrilled collecting stamps and earning rewards during their adventures. The Cyril and Methodius Children’s Passport will be valid from June 1st to September 30th, 2025.

Focusing on ...

The Association focuses on different developing and sustainable activities. They are as a result presenting variety of the cultural heritage of Saints Cyril and Methodius and their followers. 

Network of Slavic heritage

From the first Slavic script - Glagolitic - and the Old Slavic language to the present.

Network of locations

Interesting places connected with the spread of the Cyril and Methodius legacy.

Network of trails

Inspired by the journey of Slavic missionaries and their followers.

Network of events

Cultural and educational activities throughout the year.

Network of products

Tourism products - coordinated under the common logo of the Cyril and Methodius Route.

Network of institutions

Maintaining the heritage of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

The Essence of the Cyril and Methodius Heritage

Cyril and Methodius Route

The main focus of the Route is cultural ideas and cultural content. These were introduced by Cyril and Methodius during the mission they led primarily among the Slavs of Great Moravia from 863 to 868. (Their mission activities also included the Slavs of the polity of Lower Pannonia). 

The mission led by Cyril and Methodius was undertaken as a response from Byzantine Emperor Michael III to the request of Duke Rastislav of Great Moravia. Firstly, introducing an intelligible language for the sacred and public use in that Slavic polity. Secondly, buttressing and strengthening Christian faith of their inhabitants. Cyril and Methodius, however, not only refined the Slavic vernacular (by supplementing vocabulary and grammar) to meet the needs of theological, philosophical, legislative, administrative, and literary discourse. In fact, they boldly went even further, with Constantine inventing a script tailored to fit the Slavic phonemic system – the Glagolitic script.

At the end of the 9th century, the Cyrillic script was created in the South Slavic lands. Most likely in the Bulgarian Khanate. While the Glagolitic script was still relatively widely used during the 11th century (especially within the Ohrid Literary School), from the 12th century onward the Cyrillic script prevailed. It served as the equivalent of the Greek alphabet for Slavs of the Eastern Rite, who lived in the civilizational and political environment of the Eastern Roman Empire. The Glagolitic script remained in use among Croatians, with the last Glagolitic text printed in 1927.

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