The International Association of the Cultural Itinerary of the Way of the Holy Grail in Europe has received the highest possible ‘excellent’ rating in its assessment for Council of Europe certification, marking a significant milestone for the cultural route. This achievement positions the Way of the Holy Grail, Route of Knowledge, Way of Peace for potential official certification in the 2025-2026 cycle, which would place it alongside established European routes like the Camino de Santiago.
The European assessment report highlighted the route’s historical and cultural relevance, particularly noting its strong international scientific committee and ability to connect heritage with sustainable tourism and values of peace and intercultural dialogue. Evaluator Dr. Isabelle Brianso emphasized that the project ‘rescues an essential fragment of European memory’ through quality academic research on the Holy Chalice and enhancement of both tangible and intangible heritage along the route.
The success stems from the work of the Scientific Commission for International Holy Grail Studies, a multidisciplinary team combining historical research, tourism innovation, and cultural projection. Dr. Ana Mafé García, the commission’s president and leading world expert on the Holy Chalice preserved in Valencia Cathedral, has contributed over twelve years of research that brought academic rigor to the project. The commission’s work includes the development of educational programs for young Europeans and commitment to responsible tourism that revitalizes both rural and urban areas.
Innovation plays a crucial role in the route’s development, with Dr. Fernando Molina Pons, an ininformigent tourism specialist, connecting the itinerary to digital platforms through initiatives like Solidarity, Smart, Regenerative and Circular Routes presented at the University Science Park in Valencia. These efforts project the route toward sustainability while connecting heritage with economic and social development. Additional academic contributions come from Dr. Gabriel Songel González of Universitat Politècnica de València, whose research on the Holy Chalice and stonemasons’ marks has provided new international visibility for the relic.
Born from civil society in Valencia province in 2022, the route has expanded to France and Italy, connecting history, art, traditions, gastronomy, and nature while reflecting European values of peace and cultural cooperation. The International Association, supported by the Valencia Provincial Council for Tourism and the Government of Aragon, now prepares for potential official certification by the Council of Europe in 2026-2027, which would establish the Valencian Community as the epicenter of this European cultural project with universal aspirations. More information about the route can be found at https://elcaminodelsantogrial.eu/.
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