Ultreia SUDOE project presented in Albergaria-a-Velha
The Ultreia SUDOE project, funded by the European Interreg Sudoe programme, will be presented on 24 April at 6:30 p.m. at the Queen D. Teresa Pilgrims’ Hostel in Albergaria-a-Velha. The event is part of the “A Inspirar Caminhos” (“Inspiring Routes”) series and will feature Catarina Chaves, tourism technician for the Municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar and route manager at the Portuguese Federation of the Camino de Santiago.
The initiative aims to revitalise the territories crossed by pilgrimage routes in southwestern Europe — particularly the Camino de Santiago — by enhancing their natural and cultural, tangible and intangible, heritage. The project promotes the connection between pilgrims and local communities, encouraging traditional crafts, regional gastronomy and local creativity, all within a framework of sustainability and authenticity.
The guiding principles of Ultreia SUDOE include a commitment to the values of authenticity and integrity promoted by UNESCO. It seeks to counteract the effects of mass tourism and cultural homogenisation by developing shared strategies that support the economic and social development of the participating regions, while respecting local heritage and ways of life.
Running until the end of 2026, the project brings together partners from Portugal, Spain and France, including universities, municipalities and civil society organisations. Portuguese partners include NOVA University Lisbon and the Municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar. The project is coordinated by Fundación Camino Lebaniego, based in Cantabria.
The Portuguese Federation of the Camino de Santiago, of which Albergaria-a-Velha is a member, is associated with the project and is responsible for disseminating its results and promoting the implementation of identified best practices. It is also an active member of the European Federation of the Caminos de Santiago, a network that includes several of the Ultreia SUDOE partners.
Participation in the event is free but requires prior registration by e-mail to: albergue@cm-albergaria.pt.
