The celebration of the “Romea Strata” certification

Press meeting at 11:10

Aquileia, 4 December 2024 – Friuli Venezia Giulia, with Aquileia as a symbol of its millenary history, will host the celebration for the recent certification of the Romea Strata as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, a recognition confirmed by the Governing Board of the EPA during the 14th Advisory Forum in Cappadocia (Turkey).

The 4th of December event will bring together representatives of the Council of Europe, leading international figures, scholars, administrators, and the Romea Strata network. It is a closed event reserved for professionals, the press, and members of the European Romea Strata Association. A dedicated press corner will be available from 11:10 to 11:40, offering the opportunity to schedule interviews and in-depth discussions.

An outstanding institutional lineup – During the opening session (9:00–9:50), following participant registration (8:30–9:00), speakers will include:

•⁠  ⁠ The official regional representative of Friuli Venezia Giulia 

•⁠  ⁠Emanuele Zorino, Mayor of Aquileia

•⁠  ⁠Rui Gomes, Director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes and Executive Secretary of the EPA

•⁠  ⁠Gianluca Lopes, Italian Ministry of Culture

•⁠  ⁠Raimondo Sinibaldi, President of the European Romea Strata Association

A start that highlights how the Romea Strata is a cultural infrastructure capable of connecting countries, communities, and traditions—like a thread that ties together distant territories through shared paths.

Dialogues, data and European perspectives on the route – The day will continue with a series of discussions and exchanges that will showcase concrete examples of the cultural and tourism development generated by the Romea Strata. It will open with a talk on territorial regeneration through cultural tourism by Sabrina Meneghello (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice), followed by a roundtable on European best practices with contributions from Italy, Poland, Lithuania, and Austria: educational experiences with young pilgrims, involvement/engagement of municipalities along the route, accessibility-focused projects, and collaborative models of local governance.

Throughout the morning, updated figures on the route will be presented, along with its main international extensions, achieved results in local and rural development, and future growth prospects that will guide the itinerary’s evolution. This overview aims to provide a concrete snapshot of the cultural, social, and economic impact of the Romea Strata on the territories it crosses.

Next will be the Romea Strata Awards, introduced by Linda Straume (Camino Latvia), recognising standout contributors of the year. The morning will continue with an international roundtable featuring representatives of the Route of Cyril and Methodius, St. Olav Ways, and the Phoenicians’ Route—an exchange/dialogue among European Cultural Routes considered genuine laboratories of innovation. Vice-President Christa Engliger will then close the session by presenting the 2025–2030 strategies, outlining objectives, development paths, and upcoming challenges.

A dedicated press corner will also be active during the morning (11:10–11:40), designed to facilitate meetings, interviews, and discussions with speakers and organisers.

A route that unites Europe – The Romea Strata is not just a historical itinerary: it is a living European fabric that crosses Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Italy. Like a thread stitching together diverse cultures without ever breaking, the route is a major infrastructure of relationships among people, territories, and communities. The celebration in Aquileia aims to be a collective moment of recognition for all those who contribute daily to the growth of the itinerary.

Press information

Requests and accreditation should be addressed to Klementina Koren: press@romeastrata.org

The event will take place in Cantina Ca’ Tullio, Via Beligna 41, 33051 Aquileia (UD)