Way of the Holy Grail Receives 'Excellent' Rating in European Certification Process

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 evaluation report emphasized the candidacy's historical and cultural relevance, highlighting 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 noted that the theme rescues an essential fragment of European memory while demonstrating quality cooperation in scientific and academic research on the Holy Chalice. The report also commended the enhancement of tangible and intangible heritage linked to the route, including educational and cultural programs for young Europeans and commitment to responsible tourism that revitalizes both rural and urban areas.

This 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. 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 yielding both academic rigor and international recognition. Dr. Fernando Molina Pons, an intelligent tourism specialist, has connected this itinerary to digital platforms through initiatives like Solidarity, Smart, Regenerative and Circular Routes presented at the University Science Park from Valencia within the Innotransfer program, projecting the route toward innovation and sustainability while connecting heritage with economic and social development.

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, giving 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 Way of the Holy Grail, born in 2022 from civil society in the province of Valencia, has expanded to France and Italy, connecting history, art, traditions, gastronomy, and nature in a shared story 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, joining other major European routes such as the Camino de Santiago and Via Francigena. The International Association receives support from the Valencia Provincial Council for Tourism and the Government of Aragon to promote this European route with universal vocation.