Pilgrimage Promotional Tour 2021

In May 2021, the first edition of the Pilgrimage Promotional Tour was launched, an international event promoted by AERS – European Association of the Romea Strata. The tour aimed to revitalize one of Europe’s most ancient routes: the Romea Strata, the pilgrimage itinerary that once led from the Baltic Sea to Rome.

An extraordinary undertaking: over 1000 kilometers in 47 days, from May 13th to June 28th, 2021, traversing four countries – Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Italy. The goal was to bring to light the historical memory of a millennial path trodden for centuries by pilgrims, merchants, and wayfarers.

The journey began in Krakow (Poland), made a stop in Velehrad (Czech Republic), crossed Austria, and entered Italy via Tarvisio, concluding in Aquileia, Friuli Venezia Giulia. The tour operated as a relay, with the symbolic passing of a travel diary among national delegations, creating a cultural bridge between territories, peoples, and traditions.

This first edition represents the initial leg of a grand multi-year project conceived by AERS to promote the entire Romea Strata, a route stretching over 3,000 km through seven European countries. The tour will continue in the coming years until the entire itinerary from Tallinn to Rome is completed, reinforcing the cultural, spiritual, and tourism value of the Way.

In addition to the walking initiative, 2021 also saw two cyclists take on the entire journey by bike from Tallinn to Rome, further contributing to the promotion of the Romea Strata as a major contemporary European long-distance trail.