The programme began with Holy Mass in St Martin’s Cathedral. The conference then continued at Penzión St. Martin, where the guests were welcomed by Bishop František Trstenský, Bishop of Spiš, and Fr Szymon Mateusz Warciak.
In his opening presentation, “Ciricium and the Slovak Vatican – Partnership on a Shared Journey,” project coordinator Peter Matis presented the development of cooperation between the Slovak and Polish partners to date, the activities carried out as part of the project, and opportunities for further collaboration.
Roman Blaško addressed new forms of spiritual tourism in his presentation “Pilgrim, Tourist, Visitor.” Ivana Nováková from APONI then presented ways in which modern technologies can be used to make cultural and spiritual heritage more accessible. The final presentation, “The Journey Continues – A Living Heritage,” was delivered by Michal Kapusta, Mayor of Spišské Podhradie.
The conference provided an opportunity to evaluate the progress and results of the project so far, as well as to discuss spiritual tourism, modern approaches to presenting cultural heritage, and the future of cross-border cooperation.
The project combines the restoration and protection of sacred heritage sites with cultural, spiritual, and educational activities. On the Slovak side, it includes the revitalisation of Kapitulska Street and the restoration of Canonry No. 14 in Spišská Kapitula. On the Polish side, it includes activities connected with the Cistercian Abbey complex in Szczyrzyc. The project also featured joint project meetings, a cross-border pilgrimage, a concert, and the final conference.
Project No. PLSK.03.01-IP.01-0015/23 is co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg Poland–Slovakia 2021–2027 programme.
