To the origins of European Culture - longobardways.org
To the origins of European Culture
The "Longobard Ways across Europe" Cultural Route winds along a "geocultural corridor" of over 3,000 kilometers, stretching from the North Sea to Central and Eastern Europe, all the way to the Mediterranean shores of southern Italy, and covers a time span of over a thousand years (from the 1st century BC to 1076 AD). It is a "journey" through the areas where Longobard culture and civilization were born and developed, interacting with other traditions and cultures, until reaching its apogee with the formation of the "primary root of European culture, later developed by the Carolingians." This is a fundamental reference in the current process of consolidating European culture, based on the recognition of shared historical and cultural experiences and strengthening the concepts of "common belonging" and "European citizenship."
The points that mark the Route are the result of archaeological, scientific, documentary evidence, and consolidated traditions: thus, the various "stages" touch upon residential and military settlements, churches, abbeys, and monasteries; places where monuments and works of art remain. Equally important are Museums, Historical-documentary Archives, and Libraries housing manuscripts from the Early Middle Ages.
Again, of interest are the natural environments and landscapes where the Longobard historical arc unfolded: places that have remained virtually unchanged over time (geosites); others—such as forests and woodlands—which, due to their intact originality, are now included among UNESCO Biosphere Reserves or are part of Parks and Protected Areas.
Finally, a European Route that—drawing on the fruits of ancient experiences and the modern creativity of artistic forms and communication—aims to offer, on the one hand, an understanding of a founding phase of European history and, on the other, to offer contemporary opportunities for new and useful knowledge, including in areas of interest to tourists; to stimulate new research and educational activities; and to foster the identification of new opportunities, especially for younger generations.
Germany / NiedersachsenStade
Germany / NiedersachsenLüneburg-Heide / Megalithic graves
Germany / NiedersachsenLüneburg
HungaryBalaton
Slovenia / GorenjskaKranj
Italy / MonzaFoundation of the Duomo
Italy / MonzaCathedral of St. John the Baptist
Italy / MonzaMuseum and Treasure of the Cathedral
Italy / Cividale del FriuliMu.Cris - Christian Museum
Italy / CastelseprioTorba Tower
Italy / PaviaPonte Vecchio sul Ticino
Italy / BobbioAbbey of St. Columban
Italy / CampelloTempietto sul Clitunno
Italy / BeneventoChurch of St. Sofia
SalernoLast Principality
Monte Sant’AngeloCave-Sanctuary
