Provadia-Solnitsata – part of the future European cultural route “European Salt Heritage Route”

The initiative of the team at the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Kraków, Poland – the “European Salt Heritage Route” – aims to connect cultural, historical, and natural sites around the theme of culinary salt, from antiquity to the present day. The goal is to create a shared European narrative that attracts tourists, researchers, and history enthusiasts. The inclusion of Provadia–Solnitsata in this network opens up new opportunities for international collaboration, promotion of Bulgarian archaeological heritage, and recognition of the region on the map of European cultural tourism. The three-day international forum took place from June 5 to 8, 2025, in a suitable lecture hall on the third level of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. More than 40 specialists from salt museums, salt associations, and institutes from a dozen European countries participated. A declaration of intent was signed by 23 salt centers, united by the idea of creating a tourist route through key historical sites related to salt – a resource essential to human and societal life. This declaration will serve as a foundation for all necessary activities toward the future official recognition of this cultural-historical route by the Council of Europe. With its over 7,600-year-old history, Provadia–Solnitsata is recognized as the oldest salt production center in Europe and the earliest fortified settlement structure on the continent. Its inclusion in the route places Bulgaria firmly on the map of a future trans-European cultural axis that will attract tourists, researchers, and lovers of ancient history from around the world. A number of initiatives lie ahead – international exhibitions, joint tourist products, digital resources, events, and educational programs – all aimed at promoting the sites along the route and making them accessible and inspiring to a broad audience. The “European Salt Heritage Route” presents a new opportunity for Provadia–Solnitsata to establish itself as a leading tourist and cultural center – not only of archaeological significance, but also as a vibrant place where past and future meet.