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
Welcome to the Cyril and Methodius Route
Discover a story that has united European nations for centuries. Our route takes you through ten countries, each contributing a unique chapter to a shared heritage—from the dawn of literacy in Great Moravia to the recognition of the Slavic word in the heart of ancient Rome.
Bulgaria
Journey to the roots of Slavic literacy. From the grand imperial ruins of Pliska and Preslav to the Black Sea coast and hidden mountain monasteries, discover the land that preserved and flourished the brothers’ legacy.
From the Adriatic islands to the Istrian heartland, witness where the Slavic script carved in stone survived for ages. Discover the story of the Glagolitic monks who preserved their language in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Czech Republic
Visit the land where the history of Slavic civilization began in the 9th century. From the monumental centers in Mikulčice and Staré Město to the sacred Velehrad and the Sázava Monastery in Bohemia.
Greece
Discover the land where it all began. From cosmopolitan Thessaloniki to the ancient provinces of Macedonia and Thrace—experience the spiritual and cultural foundations that birthed the script and liturgy.
Hungary
Uncover the stories in the landscape around Lake Balaton, where the history of Central European diplomacy was written. Discover Zalavár—ancient Mosaburg—where Prince Kocel hosted the brothers.
Italy
Journey from Alpine passes and ancient Aquileia to the heart of Rome. Explore the places where Slavic culture met ancient tradition and where the mission of Cyril and Methodius gained its final recognition.
North Macedonia
Explore the land of a thousand churches, from Byzantine Skopje to mystical Ohrid. Discover where Clement and Naum built the first Slavic university and where every fresco still reflects the wisdom of the brothers.
Poland
Uncover the secrets of Christianity’s beginnings in Poland, reaching far before the nation’s official baptism. From royal Kraków, where Eastern and Western traditions have intertwined for centuries, to the scenic Silesian Beskids.
Slovakia
Discover the pillars of history in the Danube lowlands and Carpathian valleys. From the mighty Devín castle to historic Nitra and the treasures of Bojná, explore the land where the tradition is the soul of the nation.
Slovenia
Discover the land that stood as a silent witness to the brothers’ diplomatic journeys to Venice and Rome. From monasteries in the Alpine foothills to historic Ljubljana—explore the birthplace of the Freising Manuscripts.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Click HereExplore 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!
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.
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
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.
