Project title: Cultural Heritage Guardians Route - FRANCISCANA
Acronym: FRANCISCANA
Programme: INTERREG VI-A IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021-2027
Lead partner: Office of the Government of West Herzegovina Canton for European Integration
Project partners: Regional Development Agency of Dubrovnik-Neretva County – DUNEA; Public Institution RERA S.D. for Coordination and Development of Split-Dalmatia County; Ministry of Education, Science, Youth, Culture and Sport of Central Bosnia Canton; Croatian National Council of Montenegro / Croatian Council in Montenegro
Project duration: 1 August 2026 – 31 July 2028
Project budget: EUR 1,591,064.00
DUNEA's budget: EUR 254,268.00
Project description:
The Franciscana project focuses on the preservation, interpretation and valorisation of Franciscan cultural heritage through sustainable cultural and active tourism in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The project will establish a unique cross-border cultural route based on a story – Franciscana – which increases the visibility and appreciation of Franciscan heritage while supporting local development, intercultural dialogue and regional cooperation. The Regional Development Agency of Dubrovnik-Neretva County – DUNEA participates in the project as a partner and is responsible for the following activities: mapping the cultural and historical significance of Franciscan heritage sites in Dubrovnik-Neretva County; drawing up a plan detailing the steps, timeline and activities required to apply for Council of Europe certification, along with developing a management and sustainability strategy to ensure the long-term operation of the "Franciscana" cultural route and its compliance with cultural tourism standards; organising cycling events and other promotional events; and running a digital promotional campaign for the entire project and its results. As part of the project, a room within the Franciscan monastery of St. Jerome in Slano will be refurbished. Using modern multimedia solutions and equipment, it will present and interpret the Franciscan influence and heritage, thus providing an additional tourist product.
