Recent European history is marked by an ambitious unification process born of the desire to eradicate conflicts and place reconciliation between peoples on a firm foundation. For that purpose a sense of identity must be nurtured in Europeans, respecting their peculiarities while emphasising what joins them together. But the Europe which has been built gave pride of place to the economic and political aspects, failing to realise that the integration of its citizens could not be achieved unless they became aware of their multicultural identity and of the values uniting them. Various international institutions, the Council of Europe in particular, have devised strategies making it possible for cultural cohesion and pluralism of cultures to rectify this shortfall. From Santiago de Compostela to the Silk Routes, this publication spans the highroads of European history and assesses the impact of a common heritage made up of many different ingredients.
Cultural routes interconnect Europe's inhabitants and underpin their identity.
This book is a collection of twelve brief articles on a similar number of cultural routes established by the Council for Cultural Co-operation of the Council of Europe. Each contribution is written by an expert on the subject and illustrates the main features of a particular route. The first guide which includes most of the Santiago de Compostela ways in Europe. Preface by Jos -Maria Ballester. French edition only.