RE-SPHERE
Shared places for heritage, encounter and reconciliation in Europe
RE-SPHERE redefines the role of cultural heritage in conflict-affected and post-conflict European regions by transforming Shared Holy Places (SHPs) into laboratories of peace, reconciliation, and cultural diplomacy. Rooted in the lived realities of communities across Southeastern Europe (SEE) and Ukraine, the project integrates empirical research, digital innovation, artistic expression, and participatory governance to shift religion from a source of division to a resource for coexistence.
RE-SPHERE will deliver concrete results: a new interdisciplinary typology and governance framework for SHPs; the first geo-referenced Atlas documenting 150+ sites across seven countries EL, BiH, UA, RO, BG, NM, and AL; an interactive digital platform and mobile app featuring AR/VR storytelling; community-driven exhibitions and youth-led cultural productions; and a Digital Diplomacy SHP Management Manual and Policy Toolkit for policymakers, heritage custodians, and civil society. Rigorous impact assessments will demonstrate how SHPs contribute to economic recovery, resilience, and social cohesion, providing evidence-based models for sustainable peacebuilding.
The consortium brings together leading universities, research centres, cultural institutions, and NGOs. Academic excellence in religious studies, political science, anthropology, law, cultural heritage studies, peace and conflict studies, economics, and digital humanities is anchored by AUTh, UL, UNSA, and CERTH, while cultural partners MOMus-TMoP and NIMOH, alongside interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding NGOs such as FCA and WCC, ensure practical depth. Supported by CERTH & VIL’s digital expertise, RE-SPHERE creates a cross-sectoral ecosystem that generates scalable, transferable solutions aligned with EU heritage, cohesion, and enlargement strategies.
