Emperor Charles V was the great 16th century pan-European sovereign. Through inheritance, he brought together, under his rule, extensive territories in western, central, and southern Europe and the Spanish colonies in the Americas and Asia. His travels throughout the European continent are remembered as a symbol of unity for different regions and nations.

Heritage

Charles of Habsburg is an important common reference – political, cultural and historical – for many central European countries (Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg...) and also for southern European ones (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, plus North Africa). His presence and political heritage can be found in the many historical sites and cultural manifestations that keep alive the memory of this pan-European sovereign of the 16th century.

Travelling today

Historical re-enactments, art festivals, traditional markets, parades, local festivities, commemorate today the figure of Emperor Charles of Habsburg in different European regions. The traditional (sea and land) routes used personally by the Emperor are considered to have played an essential role in the configuration of the great cultural landscape of Early Modern Europe. The interest of the itinerary is not confined to history and art, but also includes the environment, traditional landscape or architecture.