PRIORITY 3 - Support & upgrade of health & social services
The CulTour Crossing Borders project unites Greece and North Macedonia in an ambitious cross-border partnership to breathe new life into three treasures of cultural and natural heritage: the Ancient City of Europos in Kilkis, the Doiran Lake biotope along the shared border and the Late Roman Thermal Baths of Bansko in Strumica. Over two years, this initiative will combine expert conservation, targeted infrastructure upgrades and digital technologies to create year-round tourism opportunities, enrich local communities and foster lasting cooperation across borders.
The Ephorate of Antiquities of Kilkis will carry out extensive works at Ancient Europos, including the construction of a protective metal-structure shelter over the excavated section of the city, the upgrade and enhancement of the existing amphitheatre to host cultural events, the digital reconstruction of the ancient ceramic kiln/workshop and selected features of the site and the development of interactive guided tours for the general public. These interventions will safeguard the site’s remarkable archaeological remains while offering immersive cultural and educational experiences.
Along the shores of Doiran Lake, the Region of Central Macedonia will enhance visitor facilities, create accessible pathways and run awareness campaigns for eco-friendly tourism, ensuring this fragile NATURA 2000 ecosystem remains a haven for biodiversity and a unique attraction for nature lovers.
In Strumica, the National Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments and Museum will restore and revitalise the Roman Baths of Bansko, complemented by a modern visitor centre for exhibitions, workshops and interactive learning. These improvements will transform the site into a vibrant hub where culture, history and community come together.
Coordinated by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kilkis and supported by CISS International Cooperation South South – Skopje, the project will also launch a new digital cultural route linking all three sites, enriched with multimedia content and promoted through high-visibility campaigns.
CulTour is expected to attract 5,000 visitors per year, create new business and employment opportunities in tourism and culture and offer enriched educational and recreational experiences. Its impact will reach local residents, tourism professionals, cultural heritage experts, entrepreneurs, schools, unemployed youth and visitors from across the region and beyond.
Lead Beneficiary
Project Beneficiaries
