European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius
Interest Association of Legal Entities
As part of the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius, we pride ourselves on being a highly collaborative and supportive network. Our shared mission unites us across borders, ensuring that every project reflects the highest standards of quality and authenticity. By working together, we bring the best ideas, expertise, and dedication to life, delivering exceptional results that celebrate the rich heritage of Saints Cyril and Methodius while fostering cultural connection and understanding throughout Europe.
The Association European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius (ECRCM)
European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius is an Association based in the Czech Republic established in 2013. It has promoted the living legacy of Cyril and Methodius. It has also promoted the values based on respect and a dialogue between people of different cultures and faiths. The Cyril and Methodius Route is a product of cultural tourism developed by the Association. It was awarded the title of the Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in 2021.
The Association is responsible for the Route’s management and marketing, supporting research on cultural heritage, organizing thematic events. Moreover it develops transnational tourism products, such as the Cyril and Methodius signposted trails. Through its joint activities, the Association contributes to the promotion of modern Europeanism and its values. Currently, the Association has 37 members from 10 countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, North Macedonia and Poland). The Association is opened to welcome more members and partners, especially in Central, South-Western, and South-Eastern Europe.
Development Vision of the Association
The Cyril and Methodius Route – the Cultural Route of the Council of Europe – builds on the thousand-year old cultural tradition. The Route links in particular to the culture of the Slavic nations. It is a lasting support and inspiration for its timeless dimension created by morally strong and educated personalities – Saints Cyril and Methodius and their disciples.
Linking unique monuments and traditions (tangible and intangible heritage) under the umbrella brand, it expands the range of products. These are offered in the area of sustainable international cultural tourism and strengthens collective memory.
By disseminating the positive European values that Saints Cyril and Methodius created in the 9th century and continue to create as co-patron saints of Europe, the Route contributes to modern Europeanism – understanding, culturally friendly dialogue, and the unity of the continent.
Cyril and Methodius Cultural Route
The Cyril and Methodius Route is the first route focusing on Slavic cultural heritage recognized by the Council of Europe. It is the first certified route originating and based in the Czech Republic. It builds on the millennium-old Cyril and Methodius cultural tradition. It provides a lasting support and inspiration due to its timeless dimension created by morally strong and most erudite personalities – Saints Cyril and Methodius and their disciples.
The cultural route in the footsteps of the story of ‘Apostles to the Slavs’ brings knowledge and awareness through experience. It links partners from the locations connected with the mission (following the itinerary the missionaries and their pupils). There the Cyril and Methodius tradition and education spread after the demise of Great Moravia. Here are still focal points of Cyril and Methodius devotion and veneration. The cultural route has been designed both as a set of linear marked trails and as a network of geographically disparate sites (monuments). It has great potential in 24 European countries.
Activities of the Cultural Route
- NETWORKING - creating a network of members and partners
- (CO)ORGANIZATION OF EVENTS - for members and the public - expert conferences, general assembly meetings, traveling exhibitions, workshops or hiking along Cyril and Methodius trails.
- COMMUNICATION - presentations on websites, Facebook profiles, creation of newsletters, calendar of events, personal promotion at events, etc.
- DATABASE CREATION AND PROMOTION OF CYRIL AND METHODIUS CULTURAL HERITAGE - database of tangible and intangible monuments, database of good practices, etc.
- CREATION OF A NETWORK OF CYRIL AND METHODIUS TRAILS - mapping and marking of walking routes and cycle trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route
- PROJECT ACTIVITY - preparation and implementation of development projects of the Cyril and Methodius Route from local to international level
- ELABORATION OF CONCEPTUAL DOCUMENTS - creation of development strategy, marketing strategy, action plans of the Cyril and Methodius Route, etc.
ECRCM ASSOCIATION
The ECRCM network is run by an Interest Association of Legal Entities established under Czech law. In the following section we present the organs of the Association and "who is who".
ECRCM MEMBERSHIP
ECRCM finances its activities from membership fees and project grants. If you are interested in supporting the ECRCM and its goals, become our member.
CULTURAL ROUTES
The Cultural Routes programme of the Council of Europe is governed by the Enlarged Partial Agreement with the participation of the Council of Europe.