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Let us introduce a cultural route participating in our project: the
Via Sancti Martini
One of Europe’s most popular saints, Saint Martin (AD 316/317 – 397), was born in the Roman town Savaria in Pannonia, today Szombathely in Hungary, and died in Tours in modern-day France. Saint Martin of Tours has been a part of Europe's collective memory since the fourth century and symbolises the universal value of sharing.
Saint Martin’s whole life was spent in the spirit of love, mercy, humility and courage, and by the time of his death as bishop of Tours in France, he had already been worshipped as a thaumaturgic saint. His spirit is very much “alive” today: he is known and respected greatly in Austria, Slovakia, Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, Slovenia, and in of Croatia. He is a historical figure, “a European hero of folklore and legend”.
After 1989, Saint Martin’s cult has been revived in Hungarian cultural public life - thanks to local civil activities and he is now a town symbol again, including local authorities, municipal institutions and civil non-governmental organisations. Based on international cooperation effiorts, the Council of Europe passed a decision in 2005 about European Cultural Route between Tours and Szombathely that links many locations which were part of the life of Saint Martin. This long stretch of cultural trail covers more than 5,000 kms across Europe and bears the name Via Sancti Martini. Overall, the Saint Martin route connects more than 10 European countries.
The following video shows a few hidden cultural treasures in Szombathely city, and its surroundings and we even meet a real pilgrim along the way! HERE
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