On December 4 2025, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, with Aquileia as the symbolic city of its millennial history, hosted the celebration marking the certification of Romea Strata as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, a recognition celebrated the 14th Advisory Forum in Cappadocia. The event gathered representatives of the Council of Europe, prominent international figures, scholars, administrators, and the Romea Strata network of partners.
The opening session featured Mauro Bordin (President of the Regional Council 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), Angela Ferretti (Italian Ministry of Culture) and Don Raimondo Sinibaldi (President of the European Association Romea Strata). Speakers highlighted the route’s role as a transnational cultural infrastructure connecting communities, heritage and local development.
Panels and round tables provided practical examples of cultural and tourism-led development generated by Romea Strata, including a talk by Sabrina Meneghello (Ca’ Foscari University) and contributions from Italy, Poland, Lithuania and Austria on education for young pilgrims, municipal engagement, accessibility and collaborative governance. Latest figures on the route’s international extensions and its social and economic impact were presented.
The Romea Strata Awards, introduced by Linda Straume (Camino Latvia), honoured the year’s protagonists. An international exchange with representatives of the Cyril and Methodius Route, the Route of Saint Olav Ways and the Phoenicians' Route compared innovative practices among the cultural routes. Vice-President Christa Engliger closed the meeting outlining the association’s 2025–2030 strategy.
In his remarks Don Raimondo Sinibaldi called the certification “a springboard for the future”, thanked the Autonomous Region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and all partners, and urged continued cooperation to improve hospitality, safety and maintenance along the 4,700-km itinerary and to promote Romea Strata across European markets.
Press contact: Klementina Koren — [email protected]
