The Governing Board of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA) awarded the "Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" certification to the “Pyrenean Freedom Routes”, the "Romea Strata" and the "Saint Francis Ways” at its 2025 meeting (6-7 May, Luxembourg), bringing the number of certified Cultural Routes to 49.
The Pyrenean Freedom Routes recount the little-known story of the 55,000 of women and men who, risked their lives escaping occupied France during the Second World War by crossing the Pyrenees. These clandestine mountain paths were more than escape routes, they were symbols of resistance, solidarity and courage. Each of the 12 route tells a unique story: of Jews fleeing persecution, young people refusing forced labour, or exiled intellectuals seeking freedom. The route also illuminates the histories of local families, smugglers and cross-border networks that quietly supported this resistance. The network currently has members in 10 countries: Andorra, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom.
The Romea Strata follows ancient routes that once guided pilgrims, merchants and diplomats from the Baltic Sea and Central Europe to Rome, fostering centuries of cultural exchange and contributing to a shared European identity. Firsthand accounts offer a vivid picture of this living history. In 1575, Jurgis Radvilas, for instance, a nobleman from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, documented his journey along the route, capturing the rich diversity of languages, beliefs and customs he encountered – many of which still echo in the towns and landscapes of the Romea Strata. Today, the Romea Strata invites walkers and cyclists to rediscover this legacy, connecting sacred sites, cultural landmarks and rural communities, while promoting sustainable travel and cross-border dialogue. The network currently has members in 7 countries: Austria, Czechia, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland.
Saint Francis is one of the most influential figures in Christian history, known for choosing a path of poverty and service instead of wealth and privilege. His teachings gave rise to the Franciscan Order, which deeply shaped Europe socially and spiritually. While grounded in Christian tradition, the route speaks to universal values of peace, dialogue, simplicity and care for the natural world. It invites travellers to explore the wide range of universities and cultural sites associated with the Franciscans, as well as walk paths trodden by Saint Francis himself. By making Franciscan ideals accessible everyone, the route transforms a spiritual legacy into a share European heritage. The network currently has members in 13 countries: Croatia, France, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Malta, Palestine, Portugal, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Spain and United States of America.
For more information on the results of the 2024-2025 certification cycle, please see here.
