Routes of Reformation

Welcome to Routes of Reformation, a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe!

Our Cultural Route is the reflection of centuries of histories, when movements of Christianity all around Europe shared the will to change the institutions and break the status quo.

The Reformation process lasted over centuries, starting with the Waldensians in the 12th century, followed by Jan Hus in Bohemia of the early 15th century as well as Martin Luther end of this century together with many other personalities of the Reformation as Huldrych Zwingli and Johannes Calvin.

The Bible translation in the national languages was an important impulse of the Reformation movement, strengthened by the upcoming letterpress.

Today, Routes of Reformation highlights and raises awareness of the bonding character of Reformation and its heritage: We create awareness on the different aspects and unique features of the Reformation movements. We also promote the values of solidarity, hospitality, interculturalism and cooperation.

The Reformation history is visible in more than 70 sights and museums in eight European countries.

The Cultural Routes programme, launched by the Council of Europe in 1987, demonstrates in a visible way, by means of a journey through space and time, how the heritage of the different countries and cultures of Europe represent a share cultural heritage. The Cultural Routes put into practice the fundamental values of Council of Europe: human rights, cultural democracy, cultural diversity and identity, dialogue, mutual exchange and enrichments across boundaries and centuries. As of 2020, there are 40 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (www.coe.int/routes)