About the Project

Project Name: ArcheoCarpathia

Funding Source: The project is implemented under the Small Projects Fund of the Interreg Poland–Slovakia Programme 2021–2027, managed by the Prešov Self-Governing Region.

Implementation Period: 01 October 2026 – 30 September 2026

Project Partners:

• Association of the Carpathian Euroregion – Lead Partner

• Town of Veľký Šariš

Total Project Value: EUR 74,525.52

Funding Amount: EUR 59,620.40

Value of the Euroregion's Part of the Project: EUR 59,068.21 (funding: EUR 47,254.56)

Project Concept and Brief Description

The Carpathians are a region with a rich and multilayered history, traces of which have been preserved in numerous archaeological sites, historical monuments and local stories. This heritage represents a shared resource for Poland and Slovakia, while also offering significant potential for the development of cultural tourism and the strengthening of the identity of borderland communities.

The ArcheoCarpathia project aims to organise, promote and make knowledge about the archaeological heritage of the Carpathians more accessible, while harnessing its potential to develop cross-border cooperation. An important element of the project will be the development of a concept for the ArcheoCarpathia tourism product, connecting places, stories and experiences related to the region's past on both sides of the border.

The project combines expert, educational and promotional activities. Through joint events, workshops and information materials, it will encourage the exchange of experience, foster direct contacts and strengthen relationships between communities and institutions in Poland and Slovakia.

ArcheoCarpathia builds on activities related to the Carpathia territorial brand, developed by the Carpathian Euroregion Association since 2013. It also reflects an approach to regional development based on authenticity, experiencing and exploring places, multiculturalism and respect for nature.

Project Activities

The project includes the following activities:

• Analysis of the Archaeological Heritage of the Carpathians – collecting and organising information on the region's archaeological resources to provide a foundation for further activities.

• Development of the ArcheoCarpathia Tourism Product Concept – preparing thematic proposals, an overview of the most important archaeological sites, and proposed routes and trails connecting heritage sites on both sides of the border.

• Cross-Border Conference – a meeting of representatives of institutions, experts and stakeholders from Poland and Slovakia, dedicated to the heritage of the Carpathians and cooperation in promoting it.

• A Series of Eight Bilingual Podcasts – promoting knowledge of the cultural heritage of the Carpathians and good practices in cross-border cooperation, featuring experts from both countries.

• Preparation of the ArcheoCarpathia Publication and Map – materials in Polish and Slovak, available in both printed and digital formats, supporting the discovery and promotion of the region's heritage.

• Educational Workshops and an Outdoor Event in Veľký Šariš – activities including historical and archaeological workshops, traditional craft demonstrations, historical reenactments and educational activities inspired by archaeological research findings.

• Outdoor Historical and Archaeological Workshops in Poland – open activities for borderland communities, particularly children, young people and adults, using interactive approaches to exploring history.

Project Outcomes and Significance

The project will lay the foundations for developing a cross-border tourism offer based on the archaeological heritage of the Carpathians and improve access to knowledge about the region's history. The map, publication, podcasts and ArcheoCarpathia tourism product concept will remain available for use after the project ends, supporting further educational and promotional activities.

Equally important will be strengthening cooperation between Polish and Slovak institutions, developing direct contacts and fostering a sense of community rooted in shared heritage. ArcheoCarpathia demonstrates that the past of the Carpathians can be more than a subject of research and preservation: it can also inspire cooperation, encourage people to discover their neighbours and create new opportunities for the development of borderland areas.