Way of the Holy Grail Receives 'Excellent' Rating in European Certification Process
TL;DR
The Way of the Holy Grail route gains competitive advantage with Council of Europe's highest 'excellent' rating, positioning it alongside major European cultural routes like Camino de Santiago.
The route combines historical research by international experts, sustainable tourism practices, and digital innovation through smart routes to enhance cultural and economic development systematically.
This cultural itinerary promotes peace, intercultural dialogue, and revitalizes rural communities through educational programs and responsible tourism that preserves European heritage.
Discover the fascinating story of the Holy Grail route connecting history, art, and nature across Spain, France, and Italy with cutting-edge smart tourism technology.
Found this article helpful?
Share it with your network and spread the knowledge!
The International Association of the Cultural Itinerary of the Way of the Holy Grail in Europe has received an "excellent" rating from independent assessors in its pursuit of official recognition from the Council of Europe. This highest possible grade places the route in a privileged position for the 2025-2026 certification cycle, potentially joining established European routes like the Camino de Santiago.
The European assessment report highlighted the route's historical and cultural relevance, particularly noting its ability to link heritage, sustainable tourism, and values of peace and intercultural dialogue. Evaluator Dr. Isabelle Brianso emphasized that the candidacy "rescues an essential fragment of European memory" through its quality of scientific cooperation and enhancement of both tangible and intangible heritage along the route.
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 Holy Chalice preserved in Valencia Cathedral, has contributed over twelve years of research that brought academic rigor to the project. The association maintains its online presence at https://elcaminodelsantogrial.eu/.
Dr. Fernando Molina Pons, an intelligent tourism specialist, has connected the itinerary to digital platforms through his work on Solidarity, Smart, Regenerative and Circular Routes, which were presented in May 2025 at the University Science Park in Valencia. His research, documented at https://www.tourismandsocietytt.com/publicaciones-art%C3%ADculos-2025/fernando-molina-la-red-internacional-de-rutas-tur%C3%ADsticas-inteligentes-regen, projects the route toward innovation and sustainability while connecting heritage with economic development.
From 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. He personally received the Council of Europe evaluation in Valencia in October 2024, demonstrating institutional support for this cultural itinerary.
Born from civil society in Valencia province in 2022, the route has expanded to France and Italy, connecting history, art, traditions, gastronomy, and nature while reflecting European values of peace and cultural cooperation. With support from the Valencia Provincial Council for Tourism and the Government of Aragon, the route is positioned to achieve official Council of Europe certification in 2026-2027, establishing it as a first-class cultural, scientific, and tourism route in Europe.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
