WALK 2 SPIRIT
The WALK 2 SPIRIT project aims to increase cultural and religious tourism in peri-urban and rural areas, capitalizing on the growing influx of people interested in history and cultural heritage. The partners, the Franciscan Monastery of Sveta Gora and the Society for the Preservation of the Basilica of Aquileia, will develop a cross-border walk from Aquileia to Sveta Gora, offering a sustainable tourism package that combines historical, cultural and religious elements. The project includes adaptation work in the Sveta Gora shrine, cross-border public events and training paths for tour guides. The goal is to improve the attractiveness and recognition of the destinations involved in the long term, positioning them as ideal for sustainable and "slow" tourism.
The project had 5 main objectives:
- To create a new sustainable cross-border tourism product.
The project developed an innovative cultural and spiritual trail, called Iter Goritiense, 82 km long, connecting Aquileia in Italy with the Sanctuary of Sveta Gora in Slovenia, promoting the historical, cultural and religious heritage of the area. - To promote the cultural and religious heritage of the cross-border area.
Through public events, organised walks, anthropological conferences, concerts and exhibitions, the project promoted Aquileia and Sveta Gora and contributed to increasing their visibility also in the context of the European Capital of Culture 2025. - To improve facilities for pilgrims and tourists.
The project increased the accommodation capacity of the Sanctuary of Sveta Gora through the renovation and adaptation of the “Mir in Dobro” facility, which now offers 28 beds for pilgrims and visitors. - To strengthen cross-border cooperation in cultural and religious tourism.
Through cooperation between the project partners and the involvement of local stakeholders, the project developed a new shared and sustainable tourism offer, fostering cooperation between the territories on both sides of the border. - To raise awareness and involve the target audience.
The project promoted the new trail and related activities through targeted communication activities aimed at cultural tourists, pilgrims and the public interested in sustainable tourism, contributing to attracting new visitors to the cross-border area.
The main result of the project was the creation of 1 cross-border trail of 82 km divided into 4 stages. The trail is fully signposted with 180 trilingual signs with QR codes and GPS tracks are available free of charge on the website (at this LINK). 1 printed guide was also produced and is available in 3 languages (Italian, Slovenian and English).
Several events were also held, including a project presentation press conference, the first test walk of the route, an international conference entitled “European Man QUO VADIS?” and another entitled “Sacred Places that Connect - Pilgrimage Routes”, the opening of the “Mir in Dobro” Centre, various guided hikes, an activity with the Gorizia scout group, a cross-border walk with the Italian-language Radio and Television Community, a final conference and a photography competition. Two training events were also held for guides and tourism operators from both sides of the border.
GUIDE in english
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