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. The independent assessment report for the 2024-2025 certification cycle awarded the highest possible grade of "excellent" to the candidacy of the Way of the Holy Grail, Route of Knowledge, Way of Peace.
This achievement solidifies the route's status as a first-class cultural, scientific, and tourism destination in Europe and places it in a privileged position for the upcoming 2025-2026 certification process. The European report emphasized the candidacy's historical and cultural relevance, noting the strength of its international scientific committee and its ability to connect heritage, sustainable tourism, and values of peace and intercultural dialogue.
Evaluator Dr. Isabelle Brianso highlighted several key strengths, including the route's ability to rescue an essential fragment of European memory through its thematic relevance. The assessment noted the quality of cooperation regarding scientific and academic research on the Holy Chalice, the enhancement of both tangible and intangible heritage linked to the route, and the creation of educational and cultural programs targeting young Europeans. The commitment to responsible tourism that revitalizes both rural and urban areas was also recognized as a significant strength.
The success stems from the work of the Scientific Commission for International Holy Grail Studies, a multidisciplinary team combining historical research, tourism innovation, and cultural projection. Dr. Ana Mafé García, the commission's president and 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 both academic rigor and international recognition to the Holy Grail story.
Dr. Fernando Molina Pons, an intelligent tourism specialist, has connected this itinerary to the digital world through initiatives like Solidarity, Smart, Regenerative and Circular Routes presented at the University Science Park in Valencia. Their work projects the route toward innovation and sustainability, linking heritage with economic and social development. Additional contributions come from Dr. Gabriel Songel González, director of the Chair of Business Innovation, Design and Interculturality at the Universitat Politècnica de València, whose research has provided new international visibility to the relic.
The Way of the Holy Grail, which began in 2022 from civil society in Valencia province and has expanded to France and Italy, connects history, art, traditions, gastronomy, and nature in a shared narrative reflecting European values of peace, dialogue, and cultural cooperation. With this excellent rating, the route is positioned to achieve official certification by the Council of Europe in 2026-2027, potentially placing it alongside other major European routes such as the Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena. The International Association maintains its online presence at https://elcaminodelsantogrial.eu/ and benefits from support from the Valencia Provincial Council for Tourism and the Government of Aragon.
