Aims

The main aims of the Longobardia Association are:

• To define - following the criteria laid down by the Council of Europe - a “Cultural Route” entitled “LONGOBARD WAYS ACROSS EUROPE” to submit for approval to the European Institute of Cultural Routes in Luxembourg with a view to being included in the list of “European Cultural Routes” of the Council of Europe;
• To set up a European network entrusted with the task to support the design and management of the initiative as a whole involving Public Institutions, Local and Religious Bodies, Universities, Schools, Museums, Trade and Business Associations, Cultural Associations, Charities and Companies (the latter shall subscribe the Code of Ethics drafted by the Association)
• To promote and manage the said Route through initiatives, events and TIC tools (web portal and advanced IT initiatives to support the organisation as a whole);
• To promote relationships and cooperation agreements with European and Italian Institutions, UNESCO, MiBACT and the Owners of the serial site “The Longobards in Italy. The centres of power (568-774 a.D.)” ;
• To design and manage initiatives aimed at:
  • enhancing – especially with reference to young generations, the historical and cultural heritage and traditions that developed through the Longobard experience and that has become a valuable support to the evolution of the current concepts of European citizenship;
  • promoting and favouring the intercultural and interreligious dialogue as well as the building of a share European “legacy identity” according to the principles of the “Charter of Cividale” and according to the conclusions of the 3rd International Meeting "Young Europe" held in 2006 in Cividale del Friuli by the Cividale Paper Association, and also inspired by the principles of the report of the then honorary president, Gianfranco Martini;
  • favouring knowledge and enhancing historical and ecclesiastical heritage and archives that laid the founding principles of Western culture and art, as well as promoting and managing specialised tourist flows, especially cultural, social, youth and religious tourism, exhibitions and theme-based events;
  • favouring and promoting pilgrimage flows in any form in co-operation with Ecclesiastical Authorities and the relevant dedicated Institutions;
  • enhancing and promoting the natural features and qualities of the territories belonging to the Route and their endogenous resources having a tourist interest (agrifood, oenogastronomy, craft, accommodation services, new technologies, etc.);
  • favouring the constant search for excellence on the fields and services having a scientific, cultural, tourist and economic interest in the territories belonging to the Route;
  • favouring and promoting activities for the permanent training of providers of services having a cultural and tourist interest.