European Paganini Route Officially Certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe
European Paganini Route Officially Certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe
The European Paganini Route celebrated its certification at the 15th Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held in Yerevan, Armenia, from 23 to 25 September 2026.
Yerevan, 25 September 2026 – The European Paganini Route has officially joined the prestigious network of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, marking a major milestone in its mission to preserve, promote and celebrate the artistic and cultural legacy of Niccolò Paganini across Europe.
The certification, approved by the Governing Board of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe during its meeting in Luxembourg in May 2026, was formally celebrated at the 15th Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held in Yerevan, Armenia, from 23 to 25 September 2026.
The European Paganini Route was among three newly certified Cultural Routes in 2026, alongside the Singing Heritage Route and Via Querinissima.
The Official Recognition in Yerevan
The 15th Advisory Forum, dedicated to the theme “Routes through Time and Cultures: Education for Sustainable Heritage”, brought together representatives of European institutions, cultural organisations, local authorities and international networks to discuss the role of cultural heritage and education in fostering sustainable development and European cooperation.
Organised by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, the Forum provided an important platform for dialogue, exchange of experiences and the development of new partnerships.
During the event, the European Paganini Route was officially welcomed into the Cultural Routes programme, recognising the cultural significance of Paganini’s legacy and the work carried out by the international network to promote music as a bridge between European territories and communities.
Following in the Footsteps of Niccolò Paganini
Niccolò Paganini (1782–1840), the celebrated Italian violinist and composer born in Genoa, was one of the most influential figures in nineteenth-century European musical history.
His extraordinary artistic career took him across Europe, connecting cities, theatres and musical traditions and contributing to the development of a shared European cultural heritage.
Inspired by his travels and artistic influence, the European Paganini Route brings together cities, cultural institutions, conservatories, music academies, universities, festivals and local authorities associated with the life and legacy of the Maestro.
The network currently extends across ten European countries: Italy, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Hungary, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Through concerts, educational programmes, cultural exchanges, research initiatives and sustainable tourism activities, the Route promotes Paganini’s heritage while encouraging intercultural dialogue and international cooperation.
A New Milestone for European Cultural Cooperation
Launched in 1987, the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme promotes Europe’s shared cultural heritage and encourages cooperation across national borders.
The certification recognises transnational cultural networks that contribute to the values of the Council of Europe, fostering cultural diversity, dialogue, education and sustainable territorial development.
For the European Paganini Route, this recognition represents not only an important institutional achievement but also an opportunity to strengthen its international network and develop new initiatives connecting music, culture and tourism.
It provides a foundation for expanding cooperation among European institutions, supporting cultural and educational projects, and promoting the places associated with Paganini’s extraordinary life and artistic career.
Looking Towards the Future
The certification marks the beginning of a new phase for the European Paganini Route, reinforcing its commitment to making Paganini’s legacy accessible to wider audiences and future generations.
Building on the cooperation established among its members and partners, the Route will continue to develop international cultural initiatives, foster educational exchanges and promote sustainable tourism experiences inspired by Paganini’s journeys across Europe.
The European Paganini Route extends its sincere gratitude to the Council of Europe, the European Institute of Cultural Routes, its members, institutional partners and all those who contributed to achieving this important recognition.
From Genoa to Europe, the journey continues — connecting people, places and cultures through the universal language of music.
Read the official Council of Europe announcement: