The project focuses on revitalizing the rich yet underutilized sacred heritage of the cross-border area between Slovenia and Hungary. By surpassing local initiatives and connecting diverse cultural elements, it establishes for the first time a comprehensive conceptual framework that integrates tangible and intangible sacred cultural heritage into a sustainable tourism product. In doing so, the project transcends national and religious boundaries, strengthens regional identity, promotes interfaith dialogue, and upholds European values. Emphasizing digitization, sustainable management, and the engagement of local communities as well as tourism and cultural stakeholders, the project provides solutions for preserving and promoting shared heritage.

Sacred sites, traditions, and routes such as Via Savaria, the Route of Cyril and Methodius, and many lesser-known locations will be connected into a unified concept that offers visitors a comprehensive and personalized experience. An interdisciplinary study analyzing the tangible and intangible sacred heritage of three key religions (Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism) serves as an appropriate introduction to the project. This study provides an in-depth insight into the historical and cultural value of the heritage and serves as a foundation for designing an integrated tourism product.

The project’s key innovation lies in the development of a digital avatar and interactive map, which enable customized itinerary planning based on visitors’ interests. The avatar will link thematic routes, local providers, and cultural events, thereby reducing pressure on sensitive sites and encouraging the sustainable use of heritage. In addition to digital solutions, the project introduces experience stations where sacred cultural heritage is intertwined with local products, workshops, and gastronomy. These stations will be established without new infrastructure investments, focusing on sustainable practices and the involvement of local providers. Special emphasis is placed on education and capacity building for local communities, as well as tourism and cultural stakeholders, ensuring the long-term preservation and promotion of the heritage.

The project culminates in the testing of the tourism product at least 40 locations, with feedback collection enabling its optimization and operational readiness. A cross-border promotional strategy will position the region as one of the leading sacred tourism destinations in this part of Europe.

This innovative concept surpasses local interests, unites diverse religious and cultural elements, and creates added value that symbolizes interfaith coexistence and European values. By thematically connecting the most significant sacred and cultural elements in the region, the project presents them as part of a whole—a unique fresco of the cultural-sacred heritage of Central Europe. In doing so, individual initiatives and locations gain new dimensions and added value by becoming part of a complex and appealing narrative that transcends national and religious boundaries.

Our goal is not only to respect the principle of interfaith coexistence and promote shared European values but also to honor the legacy of our ancestors who shaped the foundation of our cultural wealth through their sacred heritage. Through CROSS-SACRAL, the rich sacred heritage of the region is brought closer to new generations, preserved for the future, and enhances the sustainable development of the area.

Project end date:

31.10.2028