Public Choice Winner of the European Heritage Awards 2023
Tasuleasa Social, the organization behind the Via Transilvanica project, has won the Public Choice Award at the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2023. The project received a record-breaking 27,000 votes from citizens across Europe and the world, making it the highest European distinction in the field. They were awarded 10,000 euros.
The awards ceremony was held at the Palazzo del Cinema in Lido, Venice, and was organized by Europa Nostra in collaboration with the European Commission.
The trail, which spans more than 1,400 km and connects 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and built by 10,000 volunteers. Hand carved art stones mark each kilometer of the trail. The Via Transilvanica covers 20 different ethnic and cultural regions of Romania and around 400 communities.
“Via Transilvanica is truly a magnificent project encompassing outstanding nature, trails and cultural heritage. This is the adventure of a lifetime, literally a time-travel to old Europe, to villages trapped in time, monasteries and medieval castles. Via Transilvanica is a golden string that ties all these pearls into an amazing experience”.
Daniel Toda – voter
Via Transilvanica Sets Record with 27,000 Votes for Best Heritage Project
The Via Transilvanica project was presented by Alin Useriu, the President of Tasuleasa Social, and Anna Szekely, the executive director, who were also present to collect the prizes.
Among the attendees were Cecilia Bartoli, the President of Europa Nostra, and Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission, who joined the event online. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, congratulated the winners on their achievement.
Tasuleasa Social Celebrates Via Transilvanica’s Historic Achievement
The trail has been established by Tășuleasa Social, a local non-profit organization dedicated to educational, social, environmental, and cultural activities for over 23 years with offices about 3 hours from Cluj Napoca.
“We consider it the most valuable precisely because it expresses the trust and appreciation of people from all over Europe, but especially you, the community of people on the road! This is the most important award that Via Transilvanica has won so far, an award that proves that #DrumulCareUnește is changing the face of Romania and putting it on the world map as an important ecotourism destination. Moreover, the award reflects people’s appreciation, which makes us happy the most. We assure you that Via Transilvanica will continue its mission to protect and promote the heritage of our country.
Tasuleasa Social
Click here for the official press release.
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