RE-SPHERE
 |
 |
RE-SPHERE
Horizon Europe International Project
Project Objective
The objective of the project is to rethink the role of cultural heritage in conflict-affected regions of Europe by transforming Shared Holy Places (SHPs) into spaces for peace, reconciliation, and cultural diplomacy. The project aims to transform religion from a source of division into a resource for peaceful coexistence and intercultural dialogue.
Main Objectives of the Project
- Conduct interdisciplinary research on Shared Holy Places in the countries of Southeastern Europe and Ukraine;
- Develop a new interdisciplinary typology and governance model for Shared Holy Places;
- Create the first geo-referenced atlas documenting more than 150 sacred sites across seven countries;
- Develop an interactive digital platform and mobile application using AR/VR technologies;
- Prepare policy recommendations for policymakers, cultural heritage professionals, and civil society organisations;
- Assess the impact of Shared Holy Places on social cohesion, community resilience, and economic recovery;
- Establish an international Community of Practice to ensure the sustainable exploitation of the project's results.
Project Duration
The project is implemented from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2029.
The total duration of the project is 36 months.
Consortium
The consortium brings together leading universities, research centres, cultural institutions, and civil society organisations from across Europe.
Project Coordinator:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece)
Project Partners
- University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
- University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics (Ukraine)
- Uzhhorod National University (Ukraine)
- University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (Bulgaria)
- Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" (Bulgaria)
- Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) (Greece)
- Albanian Cultural Museum
- Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments and Museum – Ohrid
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- World Council of Churches
Expected Results
- Develop an interdisciplinary typology and governance model for Shared Holy Places;
- Create a geo-referenced atlas documenting more than 150 sacred sites across seven countries;
- Develop an interactive digital platform and mobile application using AR/VR technologies;
- Prepare a Digital Diplomacy Manual together with a set of policy recommendations for public authorities and cultural heritage institutions;
- Establish an international Community of Practice to facilitate knowledge exchange and ensure long-term collaboration;
- Develop tools and methodologies that can be scaled up and replicated in other regions of Europe;
- Strengthen social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding processes by using cultural heritage as a tool for reconciliation.