Way of the Holy Grail Route Receives 'Excellent' Rating in European Certification Process
The Way of the Holy Grail cultural route achieved the highest possible rating in its bid for Council of Europe certification, positioning it as a premier European cultural and tourism destination with significant implications for heritage preservation and sustainable economic development.
The International Association of the Cultural Itinerary of the Way of the Holy Grail in Europe has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of official recognition from the Council of Europe, receiving an 'excellent' rating in the independent assessment report for the 2024-2025 certification cycle. This top evaluation places the Way of the Holy Grail, Route of Knowledge, Way of Peace in a privileged position for the upcoming 2025-2026 certification process, solidifying its status as a first-class cultural, scientific, and tourism route across Europe.
The European assessment report emphasized the route's historical and cultural relevance, highlighting its strong international scientific committee and ability to connect heritage preservation with sustainable tourism while promoting values of peace and intercultural dialogue. Evaluator Dr. Isabelle Brianso noted that the project successfully rescues an essential fragment of European memory while demonstrating quality cooperation in scientific and academic research on the Holy Chalice. The route enhances both tangible and intangible heritage through educational programs for young Europeans and promotes responsible tourism that revitalizes rural and urban areas.
This achievement stems from the work of the Scientific Commission for International Holy Grail Studies, a multidisciplinary team combining historical research, tourism innovation, and cultural projection. The commission's president, Dr. Ana Mafé García, recognized as the world's leading expert on the protohistory of the Holy Chalice preserved in Valencia Cathedral, has contributed over twelve years of research that brought academic rigor and international recognition to the Holy Grail story. Dr. Fernando Molina Pons, an intelligent tourism specialist, has connected the itinerary to digital platforms through initiatives like Solidarity, Smart, Regenerative and Circular Routes presented at the University Science Park in Valencia.
Dr. Gabriel Songel González, director of the Chair of Business Innovation, Design and Interculturality at the Universitat Politècnica de València, has pioneered studies on the Holy Chalice and its relationship with stonemasons' marks, providing new international visibility to the relic. His academic research and personal reception of the Council of Europe evaluation in Valencia in October 2024 demonstrated strong support for this cultural itinerary. The International Association maintains an online presence at https://elcaminodelsantogrial.eu/ to promote the route's development.
Born from civil society in Valencia province in 2022, the route has expanded to France and Italy, connecting history, art, traditions, gastronomy, and nature within a shared narrative reflecting European values of peace, dialogue, and cultural cooperation. With this excellent rating, the route is positioned to achieve official Council of Europe certification in 2026-2027, potentially placing it alongside other major European routes such as the Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena. The International Association receives support from the Valencia Provincial Council for Tourism and the Government of Aragon to promote this European cultural project with universal aspirations.