The Role of Transnational Pilgrimage Routes in Territorial Governance: A PhD thesis research based on the rurAllure project

By Maria Laura Gasparini European pilgrimages. Pixabay Pilgrimage routes have experienced a global resurgence, attracting not only religious travellers but also those interested in slow and outdoor tourism. These routes provide opportunities to explore new places, engage with local communities, and appreciate cultural and natural heritage. As 90% of these routes pass through rural areas […]

Integrating Rural Heritage into Pilgrimage Tourism: Strategies for Sustainable Development

Group with Backpacks Walking on the Way of St James Towards Galicia, Spain. Burkard Meyendriesch. The article “Towards a Methodology of Good Practices for Heritage-Led Rural Regeneration: From the Main Paths to the Surrounding Areas,” (Download) published in Cities (2025), explores heritage-based rural regeneration in areas near pilgrimage routes. Written by María Andrade Suárez, Estefanía López Salas, Iria […]

Rural Lab in Brussels: shaping the future of rural development

This important gathering brought together over 100 policymakers, rural stakeholders, and experts from across Europe to explore ways to strengthen institutional and governance frameworks for rural development, identify key challenges, and discuss future strategies. On 28 November 2024, Brussels hosted the Policy Lab on Enhancing Policy Coordination for Vibrant Rural Areas, an event organized by […]