In the framework of the International Rock Art Event held on 14th March at Côa Museum (Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Portugal), the Côa Archaeological Park and Museum (Côa Park Foundation), received the quality label as rock art tourist destination from the “Prehistoric Rock Art Trails”, certified Cultural Route of the Council of Europe since 2010.

The official “European Rock Art Heritage label” plaque and award was unveiled (see photo) and handed over by Stefano DOMINIONI, Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes to Dr. Antonio PONTE, Regional Director General for Culture (North), Ministry of Culture of Portugal, during an official ceremony followed by a panel session with presentations of Presidents of the regions of La Dordogne (France), Cantabria (Spain), Castilla y León (Spain), and the Association of Municipalities of the region of the Douro River (Portugal). Several PRAT-CARP partners from France, Spain and Portugal attended the ceremony.

The event was organized by the Côa Parque Foundation, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture of Portugal and the Prehistoric Rock Art Trails Cultural Route. The programme also included meetings, visits to archaeological sites and inauguration of rock art exhibitions. The Prehistoric Rock Art Cultural Route was represented by its Vice-President, Germinal PEIRO, and its General Manager, Ramón MONTES.

Portugal (Ministry of Culture) became a member of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes in 2011. Currently, 13 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe cross Portugal.