The objective of the project is to strengthen the role of pilgrimage tourism in the border region, survey and connect pilgrimage sites, and create a new pilgrimage route. The goal is to realize the development of religious tourism, a tourism branch that is growing but is not yet present in the region with sufficient emphasis compared to the conditions.

Project partners intend to connect our new touristic product to the pilgrim routes by processing the tragic life stories of two regionally important historical figures, Blessed Father János Brenner, former priest of the Szombathely Diocese, chaplain of Rábakethely (Szentgotthárd), and Dániel Halász, chaplain of Ljutomer, then Alsólendva, and finally Velika Polana. Their work in the border region, their exemplary life paths and their parallels are suitable for presenting and processing the local events of the underlying historical era, thereby helping to keep the intellectual and historical heritage alive in the border region. Partners develop solutions to better integrate cultural and intellectual heritage into quality touristic attractions. The lives of the martyrs will be processed in the framework of a research, a border digital inventory will be set up regarding the locations, historical monuments, as well as the regional pilgrimage routes. The results of the research and situation assessment will be presented to the local communities in the framework of a travelling exhibition, thereby increasing the mutual community awareness of the two people (and their historical periods) in the border region.

The project pays special attention to the involvement of the young people and strengthening their connections with the recent history of the border region through the example of two regionally important people; martyrs, whose life stories and examples are particularly suitable for exploring these points of connection by telling specific stories. A camp, a series of creative activities, and a drawing competition will be implemented in a separate work package for the various young age groups. Communication is an important element of the project, its most important target groups are the pilgrims, the pilgrimage tourism organizers, the churches, the regional tourism service providers, as well as the local population. Communication activities appear related to each element of the project, especially conference organization, intensive use of social media, promotional items, involvement of the press, etc. belong to it.

Project end date:

30.6.2026