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

NEWS FROM
CYRIL AND METHODIUS ROUTE

News

Expansion of the Cyril and Methodius Route to the Balkans

6th November 2024, Zlín, Czech Republic

The Cyril and Methodius Route – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe – is expanding its membership network. Last week, during the General Assembly meeting of the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius (ECRCM) in Zlín, the association welcomed a new member: Vysočina Tourism, a regional destination management organization.

This brings the total number of official members to 37, representing 10 countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy.

CaM relikvie - Rome

Presentation of Professor Peter Ivanič’s Monograph in Rome Celebrates Saints Cyril and Methodius

22nd October 2024, Rome, Italy

On Tuesday, October 22, the Pontifical Slovak Institute of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Rome hosted the official presentation of The Life of St. Constantine-Cyril and the Veneration of His Relics, a new monograph by Professor Peter Ivanič, PhD, Director of the Constantine and Methodius Cultural Heritage Research Institute at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra.

The event was held under the patronage of Dr. Juraj Priputen, the Slovak Republic’s Ambassador to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta, and was organized in collaboration with the Pontifical Slovak Institute of Saints Cyril and Methodius and the Slovak Historical Institute in Rome. It attracted prominent attendees, including ambassadors and diplomatic representatives accredited to the Holy See, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Constantine the Philosopher University, Professor Martin Hetényi, academics, historians, and clergy active in the Vatican and Rome.

Pilgrims on the trail

Cyril and Methodius Route Completes Trail Re-signposting Between Nové Město na Moravě and Zubří

17th October 2024, Nove Mesto na Morave, Czech Republic

The European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius, in collaboration with the Czech Hiking Club Vysočina Region, has successfully redesigned a 4.3-kilometer section of the trail between the town square in Nové Město na Moravě and the Zubří trail junction in the village of Zubří. This section, part of the marked Cyril and Methodius Route from Levý Hradec to Velehrad, replaces the outdated and insufficiently marked educational trail Po stopách posledního vlka (Tracing the Last Wolf) with a safer, clearer route that meets modern trail-marking standards. The new signage now supports two-way travel, allowing hikers to explore the trail in either direction based on their preferences.

News

Evaluator Dr. Aleksandar Dajkovič Visits Slovakia as Part of the Recertification Process for the Cyril and Methodius Cultural Route

17th October 2024, Nitra, Slovakia

As part of the ongoing recertification process for the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Slovakia hosted Dr. Aleksandar Dajkovič from the University of Donja Gorica, Montenegro. This recertification, aligned with the Council of Europe’s cultural routes standards, ensures that the route upholds its quality and cultural significance on an international level. The formal recertification presentation is scheduled for May 2025.

During his visit to Nitra on October 16-17, 2024, Dr. Dajkovič explored key sites along the Cyril and Methodius Route, including Nitra Castle, the Diocesan Museum and Library, which holds relics of St. Cyril. The visit also included the Interactive Educational Zone TICadlovo, aimed at young visitors, and the historic Zobor Monastery, where an augmented reality experience provides a glimpse into Benedictine monastic life.

Skopje-Conference

Conference in Skopje opened the development of the Cyril and Methodius Route in Northern Macedonia

8th to 9th October 2024, Skopje, North Macedonia

The Institute of Macedonian Literature at the University of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Skopje successfully organized an international conference on the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Held from October 8–9, 2024, the event explored the cultural heritage of the Saints in Skopje and the greater Skopje region. The conference was officially opened by prominent figures, including Mr. Aleksandar Skeparovski, Vice Rector for International Cooperation at the University of Saints Cyril and Methodius; Prof. Natasha Avramovska, Director of the Institute of Macedonian Literature; Ms. Viktorija Trajkov, Deputy Minister for European Affairs; Ms. Vesela Chestoeva, Director of the Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage; and H.E. Henrik Markus, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in North Macedonia.

News

Cyril and Methodius Route: Reflecting on a Successful Meeting and Future Plans

3rd October 2024, Nitra, Slovakia

On October 3, 2024, the city of Nitra hosted the second annual meeting of the Slovak members of the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius. This event serves as a vital platform for exchanging ideas and planning activities that promote and develop the Route.

The agenda included nine key points discussed by representatives in attendance and those participating online. Highlights included updates from the national coordinator on recent activities, a review and enhancement of the points of interest along the Cyril and Methodius Route, and a presentation of analytical data collected in the Nitra region.

Members also shared insights from summer events such as the Historical Festivities at Devín, the Nitra Celebrations, and the Cyril and Methodius Festivities in Terchová and Bojná, along with the Gorazd Močenok Theater Festival. These events have significantly contributed to cultural identity and local tourism.

News

Cyril and Methodius Route Showcased at the Annual Advisory Forum in Hungary

25th-27th September 2024, Visegrád, Hungary

From September 25–27, 2024, the 13th Annual Advisory Forum on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe took place in Visegrád, Hungary. Organized by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes (EPA) and the European Institute of Cultural Routes in cooperation with Hungary’s Ministry of Culture and Innovation and the Szentendre Open-Air Museum, the forum served as a platform to explore the themes of transmission and innovation. Discussions focused on engaging younger generations in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe while ensuring the preservation of Europe’s vast cultural heritage. The event brought together over 300 participants, including representatives from 41 member states of the EPA, 48 certified Cultural Routes, international organizations such as UNWTO and UNESCO, members of the University Network for Cultural Routes, and tourism experts.

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THE CYRIL AND METHODIUS ROUTE WAS PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION SACRO EXPO 2024

13th-14th September 2024, Bratislava, Slovakia

On 13-14 September 2024, the 2nd edition of the international exhibition of construction and equipment of churches and church facilities and church art SACRO EXPO SLOVAKIA took place at the Incheba exhibition centre in Bratislava .
The Cyril and Methodius Route is a combination of a cultural experience and a pilgrimage built on the spiritual legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius, which unites nations across Europe. The combination of spirituality, the joy of wandering and cultural experience is often the motivation that drives individuals and communities to explore.

This was the main idea behind the promotion of the Cyril and Methodius Pilgrimage project in this exhibition, which combined the offer of artists of specific professions with the practical life of individual parishes, pilgrimage sites and communities.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about the attractions, projects and activities of the Cyril and Methodius Way in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and, through the website, in other countries involved in the European Cultural Journey of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Conference Kroměříž

Cyril and Methodius Route Evaluated at International Conference in Kroměříž

10 September 2024, Kroměříž, Czech Republic

The development of the Cyril and Methodius Route and its potential for international tourism were the main topics of a conference held on September 10 at the Archbishop’s Palace in Kroměříž. The event was organized by the Association of the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Representatives of the association presented activities carried out since 2021, when the route received the Cultural Route certification from the Council of Europe. The association will defend this prestigious certification in May 2025.

“The idea of the Cyril and Methodius Route originated in the Zlín Region about 14 years ago. Major achievements include the certification by the Council of Europe in 2021 and the inclusion of the Metropolitan City of Rome in the association this spring. It is incredible how far we have come in such a short time, and I want to thank everyone for their cooperation. I believe that the members and partners of the route will continue to develop the relationships we have established and create a strong international team,” said Lubomír Traub, chairman of the organizing association and Deputy Governor of the Zlín Region for Tourism.

Pilgrims on the trail

Along the Cyril and Methodius Route from Kácov to Bystřice nad Pernštejnem

22nd-28th July 2024, Kácov – Bystřice nad Pernštejnem, Czech Republic

Almost 30 pilgrims, the youngest of whom was only 9 months old and the oldest of whom was a respectable 78 years old, set off from Kácov on the Sázava River to Bystřice nad Pernštejnem in the penultimate week of July. They walked about 140 kilometres along the signposted Cyril and Methodius Route. They completed the second stage of a three-year journey from Levý Hradec in Central Bohemia to the Moravian Velehrad, where they plan to reach in 2025.
“Every year, in cooperation with pilgrimage personalities, we organise a pilgrimage along one of the selected trails of Saints Cyril and Methodius Route. In the Czech Republic alone, these trails cover almost 930 km and all converge on Velehrad. This year it was the turn to introduce a very attractive trail from Posázaví through Vysočina, where there are many interesting sights such as the medieval castle in Ledec nad Sázavou, the castle in Přibyslav, Santini’s Church of St. John of Nepomuk in Žďár nad Sázavou or the ancient Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Vítochov. In autumn, we invite you to a long-distance journey from the Polish Visla across Radhošt’ to Velehrad,” said Lubomír Traub.

News

COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EAST MORAVIA TOURIST AUTHORITY AND TRONDELAG REISELIV: A SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARDS DEVELOPING CULTURAL ROUTES

28th-30th May 2024, Zlin Region, Czech Republic

The East Moravia Tourist Authority and the Norwegian destination company Trondelag Reiseliv have successfully launched an international cooperation project aimed at developing thematic cultural routes. This project, which took place from May 28 to 30, 2024, focused on exchanging experiences and best practices among experts in promotion and destination management, human resources development, and joint activities with a foreign partner.

Conference in Sofia

THE CYRIL AND METHODIUS ROUTE PRESENTED AT THE BULGARIAN NATIONAL CYRIL AND METHODIUS CELEBRATIONS IN SOFIA

23th May 2024, Sofia, Bulgaria

Thanks to the invitation of the Cyrillo-Methodian Research Centre at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the City of Sofia, the Cyril and Methodius Route – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe became part of the Bulgarian national celebrations of the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius. A photo exhibition “About Cyril and Methodius, Now and Then” was opened in the historical part of the city called Serdica. A general assembly of the members of the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius was also held. Participants came from the Czechia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Northern Macedonia and Greece, with others joining online. On the Bulgarian side, the meeting was attended for example by Stefan Hadzhitodorov, Vice President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Alexander Gorchev, Director of the Archaeological Museum Veliki Preslav, and Slavia Barlieva, Deputy Director of the Cyrillo-Methodian Research Centre at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. All present were also personally welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Sofia Yana Genova.

Conference in Nitra

International Scientific Conference Christian Values and Sustainable Society

17th April 2024, Nitra, Slovakia

The conference “Christian Values and Sustainable Society” was held in Nitra on 17 April 2024. The conference was held under the auspices of Mons. prof. Viliam Judák, PhD. – Bishop of Nitra and prof. RNDr. Libor Vozár, PhD. – Rector of the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra. The conference was attended by experts from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland and Greece. One of the key themes of the conference was the interpretation and evaluation of the significance of the Cyril and Methodius mission in the context of the European value tradition and its relevance for contemporary religiosity and sustainable society. Peter Ivanič and Martin Hetényi addressed the question of the implementation of Christian values in the environment of the Cultural Routes approved by the Council of Europe. A wide-ranging discussion developed on the topic of the content of European values, with calls for the specification and concretization of key European values in their connection to the Cyril and Methodius tradition. The question of European identity, which is directly linked to Christian culture and the tradition of values, was also discussed.

Holíč - Hodonín

HIKING FROM KOPČANY TO MIKULČICE OPENED THE TOURIST SEASON ON THE CYRIL AND METHODIUS ROUTE

28th April 2024, Kopčany-Mikulčice, SR-CZ

Hiking from Kopčany to Mikulčice in the footsteps of Great Moravia with guides opened the tourist season on the Cyril and Methodius Route on 28 April. It attracted around 40 participants from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. They visited both the monuments reminiscent of the early Middle Ages – the unique church of St. Margaret of Antioch in Kopčany and the Slavic Hillfort in Mikulčice, as well as monuments from the Baroque period – the Imperial and Royal Stud and the Duck Farm in Kopčany. There are about 930 km of long-distance Cyril and Methodius routes in the Czech Republic and they converge at Velehrad. In Slovakia, it is another 570 km. This year’s tourist and pilgrimage season started in the Czech-Slovak border area on the Cyril and Methodius Route leading from Kopčany to Mikulčice. 

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WE INVITE YOU TO SPRING HIKING ALONG THE CYRIL AND METHODIUS ROUTE FROM KOPČANY TO MIKULČICE

3rd April 2024, Kopčany – Mikulčice, Czech Republic

The European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius invites fans of tourism and cultural heritage to a one-day guided tour along the Cyril and Methodius Route from Kopčany to Mikulčice, following the footsteps of Great Moravia. The event will take place on Sunday 28 April 2024 from 10 am. There are several pilgrimages along the Cyril and Methodius routes every year. There are about 930 km of these trails in the Czech Republic alone and they converge at Velehrad. In Slovakia, it is another 570 km. This year’s hiking and pilgrimage season will start in the Czech-Slovak border area on the Cyril and Methodius Route going from Kopčany to Mikulčice. Some monuments along the trail commemorate the glorious period of Great Moravia. This is a reminder of our common cultural roots and heritage.

Cyril and Methodius Route

THE BASILICA OF SAINT PRAXEDES IN ROME BEARS THE SYMBOL OF THE CYRIL AND METHODIUS ROUTE

23rd March 2024, Rome, Italy

Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome newly bears the symbol of the Cyril Methodius Route – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. This happened two years after the signing of the memorandum of cooperation between this basilica and the European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius association. According to the generally accepted opinion, the basilica with the adjacent monastery is the place where the Thessalonica brothers most likely stayed when they were in Rome. In addition, a Slavic liturgy was approved in the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. In the papal Basilica of San Clemente, not far from the famous Colosseum, is the grave of St. Cyril.