The European Cultural Route of Historic Thermal Towns

The city of Ourense is a proud member of this network since 2010

Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe
The Cultural Routes programme, launched by the Council of Europe in 1987, demonstrates in a visible way, by means of a journey through space and time, how the heritage of the different countries and cultures of Europe represent a share cultural heritage. The Cultural Routes put into practice the fundamental values of Council of Europe: human rights, cultural democracy, cultural diversity and identity, dialogue, mutual exchange and enrichments across boundaries and centuries. As of 2021, there are 45 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

The European Route of Historic Thermal Towns
Being certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe is extremely important for the association. EHTTA values the exchange of good practices and ideas with other Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, the visibility of the Cultural Routes at a European level through the work of the Programme, and the dialogue that it prompts between cultural institutions and tourism bodies. The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe encourage visitors to take “a journey through space and time” to understand Europe’s shared and living cultural heritage. All the routes in the Programme are certified by the Council of Europe, and are re-evaluated every few years, so that a certain level of quality of experience is assured for visitors.

The Cultural Routes Programme also aims to contribute to sustainable development in the regions and throughout the cultural routes, enriching the tourism sector with new products and jobs based on cultural and heritage tourism. The story of the historic thermal towns of Europe is woven into the story of the continent of Europe and its people. It is part of Europe’s shared memory, culture and traditions. As a cultural route of the Council of Europe, we continue to tell this story, to raise awareness of the importance our towns, in order to protect them for future generations, and to help young people to discover and understand traditions, heritage and culture that dates back hundreds of years, but which can also play an important part in their wellbeing and health in the future.

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