The cultural heritage on both banks of the Prut can become a bridge to Europe, through tourist routes that connect traditions, historical monuments and local communities. Strategy for valorization, promotion and integration of the cultural heritage of the Middle Prut Valley in European tourist routes for the period 2027–2033 is nearing its end, outlining a common vision of cross-border cultural and tourist development.

The strategic document is the result of a participatory process, carried out through 5 thematic modules and 12 mentoring sessions., organized in physical and online format. Within these, groups of actors from the districts and counties included in the Middle Prut Valley area were consulted, collecting information, opinions and recommendations regarding the conservation, valorization and promotion of cultural heritage for tourism purposes.

In August 2026, the five thematic modules brought together over 186 participants, representing institutions and organizations in the field of culture and tourism from both banks of the Prut. The discussions contributed to identifying priority directions for action and establishing cultural routes with potential for integration into the European network.

Four European Cultural Routes – priorities for the first stage

During the planning process, four Council of Europe Cultural Routes were identified, considered priority for the first stage of integration and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Middle Prut Valley:

• Ceramics Route;
• Transhumance Routes;
• European Fairy Tale Route;
• Jewish Heritage Route.

These directions offer opportunities to capitalize on traditional crafts, pastoral practices, narrative heritage, and the cultural and historical diversity of the region, contributing to the creation of authentic tourist experiences and strengthening the international visibility of local communities.

From national initiatives to European opportunities

Another important objective of the Strategy is to capitalize on the cultural ties between Romania and the Republic of Moldova and develop joint initiatives to promote heritage on both banks of the Prut.

Internationally recognized traditions such as the Men's Caroling, traditional bark-making techniques, the Mărțișor, the Cămașa cu altiță and the Cobza are relevant examples of shared cultural heritage and the potential for cross-border cooperation. At the same time, initiatives such as the Stephen the Great Route, the Gastronomic Route and the Wooden Churches Route demonstrate that heritage can be capitalized on through itineraries that connect sites, traditions and tourist destinations from both countries.

In this context, the Strategy proposes the promotion and development, in the Middle Prut Valley area, of six national initiatives with potential for consolidation and expansion:

• Stephen the Great and Saint Route;
• Wooden Churches Route;
• The Route of Martisor and the Symbols of Spring;
• Winter Rituals Route;
• Gastronomic Heritage Route;
• Textile Art and Traditional Clothing Route.

By connecting these initiatives to a common development vision, the region can strengthen its tourism offer, create new opportunities for craftsmen, local producers, guides and tour operators, and stimulate collaboration between cultural institutions and local public authorities.

Consulting cultural and tourism institutions: an important step towards a shared vision

The October 13, 2026, the public consultation of the Strategy took place, attended by representatives from relevant cultural institutions on both banks of the Prut. The Strategy includes concrete measures to strengthen joint efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage, as well as to capitalize on it through cross-border tourist routes and connection to the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. The consultation represented an important stage in finalizing the document and in strengthening the joint commitment of cultural and tourism actors to develop an integrated tourist offer, based on the identity and cultural resources of the region. The Strategy will be consulted with the general public during the 16 – 23.10.2026. 

Cultural heritage – a resource for the development of the region

The strategy for the period 2027–2033 aims to transform cultural heritage from an undervalued resource into a factor of local and regional development. Through cooperation between institutions, local public authorities, cultural organizations and tourism operators, historical values and local traditions can become part of attractive tourism experiences, capable of generating economic and social benefits for communities.

The Middle Prut Valley thus views cultural heritage not only as a legacy of the past, but also as an opportunity for cross-border cooperation, tourism development and connecting local communities to the European cultural space.

DEVELOPMENT Strategy for the valorization, promotion and integration of the cultural heritage of the Middle Prut Valley in European tourist routes for the period 2027–2033 takes place within the cross-border project "Gates for the sustainable integration of the culture of the Middle Prut Valley into European tourist routes" (ROMD00219), funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Republic of Moldova 2021–2027 Program.

The project "Gates for the sustainable integration of the culture of the Middle Prut Valley into European tourist routes" (ROMD00219) has a total budget of EUR 1,665,183.08, of which:

• for the Ungheni City Hall: EUR 1,319,246.39 (EU grant: EUR 1,187,321.75; local contribution: EUR 131,924.64);
• for the City Hall of Iași: EUR 345,936.69 (EU grant: EUR 311,343.02; local contribution: EUR 34,593.67).

The project implementation is taking place during the period June 2025 – June 2027.

For further information: Liliana TINCU, Project Manager

Tel.: 069230563

E-mail: liliana.tincu@gmail.com.

The Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova 2021 - 2027 Program is funded by the European Union and co-financed by the states participating in the Program.