European tourism Gardens of Eden no 5

Excellent European community tourism destinations selected by in country popular vote this week: Heritage

Kercem, Hamlet Of Santa Lucija (Malta)

Feast of Santa Lucija (Light Festival) © Kercem

Kercem is a small village (1 700 inhabitants) on the mythical island of Gozo, which forms part of the Maltese archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean. It is the closest village to Victoria, Gozo’s capital, and its name is most probably derived from that of a family living in the area in the 15th century.

The village of the old hamlet of Santa Lucija in Kercem nestles between the three hills of Ghar Ilma, Il- Mixta and Santa Lucija. Each has a natural water spring, making the surroundings one of the most fertile areas of Gozo. Kercem is the oldest inhabited place in the Maltese Islands, with the first settlements from Sicily dating back to around 5000 B.C.

These rural surroundings provide an idyllic backdrop to candle-lit evenings in this tranquil and enchanting village. The starry nights give an added touch of romanticism for those who choose to wine and dine there, carried away by notes from the traditional stringed instruments.

The Rabat – Ta’ Kercem road offers a view of the Lunzjata valley. Cultural and historical monuments are also to be found on various parts of the road such as Ghar Gerduf, the site of a 3rd/4th century Christian catacomb, four chapels clustered together on this spot, and remnants of Roman baths revealed by excavations.

More information: www.santalucija.com/
EDEN WEBSITE
VIDEO

La Ville D’Echternach (Luxembourg)

Fountain © Echternach

Echternach is located in eastern Luxembourg where the Sauer river forms the border between Luxembourg and Germany. It lies within the German-Luxembourgish nature park and rocky landscapes of Müllerthal, the “Little Switzerland” of Luxembourg.

The city and its abbey were founded by St Willibrord in 698 whose missionary action made it a starting point for Carolingian renaissance when he evangelised the region.

This is a town which prides itself on its cultural heritage, welcoming tourists to a centre of culture that has been attracting visitors since the middle ages.

An example of such a long lived tradition is the dancing procession of Echternach which has been held for the last 500 years and is associated with the death of the English monk, St Willibrord – although the precise reason for the connection has been lost in the mists of time. UNESCO has been asked to grant the dance a position on its list of intangible cultural heritage.

The procession takes place annually on Whit Tuesday. There is slim proof that the pilgrims who flowed to Echternach when St Willibrord died might have observed a sacred dance in his honour. The hypothesis that this could have inspired a ritual procession despite the Church forbidding sacred dances well into the century of enlightenment might simply be local colour.

EDEN WEBSITE
VIDEO

Plateliai (Lithuania)

Sleigh with masked people © Plateliai

The borough of Plateliai, first mentioned in the 15th century, also includes Žemaitija national park, brimming with aspects of Lithuania’s heritage – traditions, old architecture, local culinary, handicrafts, and the customs of that region. The Žemaitija national park is the land of the ethnic group Samogitians. The region borders the lake that gives the area its name – the deepest and largest in Žemaitija.

Travelling around Plateliai lake gives the visitor a chance to admire the hilly landscape. After a small climb, you can soon reach the Survey Grounds, providing a view of the lake and its islands, peninsulas and dark woods of Plokstine. The Žemaitija national park looks after the area, conserving its ancient woodlands, farmsteads and lake systems. It also encourages traditional farming methods and environmentally sensitive tourism.

There are themed paths for tourists to enjoy including the 4.1 km Šeire nature path along which plants, mushrooms and animals peculiar to this land can be seen, and the 3.2 km Plokštine path which takes the visitor around land previously used as a military base where nature and human traces interweave. Mikytai archaeological path is also a feature where an ancient sacred place – the hill of Alka – holds a mythological stone marked with the devil’s footprint and a well of prayers. The Paplatele path takes the visitor to examples of folk art in the form of wooden sculptures and there is also a special path designed specifically for children.

EDEN WEBSITE
More info: www.zemaitijosnp.lt/en/
VIDEO

Latgalian Potters, Masters Of Clay (Latvia)

Raznas lake © Rezekne

Rezekne, poetically described as a flower bursting into bloom, is a city in the heart of the Latgale region in eastern Latvia famous for its pottery traditions. Rezekne has been a centre of spirituality, culture and education. It is defined by green fields and lakes, unpaved roads and woods.
Rezekne is located at the intersection of the two highest hills of Latgale – Makonkalns and Lielais Liepu – and the largest lakes of Latvia – Razna and Lubans, connected by the river Rezekne. Rezekne borders Russia, Lithuania and Belarus, making it both a border city as well as an EU border area.

Traditional pottery forms a vital part of culture and tourism in Latgale. The Latgalian potter is seen as a craftsman and a master of the traditional art; with his ceramic creations he is able to connect with modern humanity. He is also able to satisfy its need for aesthetic and practical things and works creatively to promote the development of a craft based on ancient traditions. He is a reference point for the next generation of ceramicists.

EDEN WEBSITE
More info:www.latgale.lv/en
 

Valere Tjolle
Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite – special offers HERE