Cultural Routes between East and West: A Network for Cooperation between Mediterranean Cities

Regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea form an area where more than geographical proximity strong cultural links are found, an area that, despite the specificities of individual countries, has important features of community life, which enable a convenient strategic opportunity for a large-scale policy. In this context, cultural heritage may play a role of social and territorial cohesion, thus representing a key factor for the sustainable development of communities and regions. The paper examines the meaning and the essence of Cultural Routes, focusing on the strategy for their conservation and enhancement in relation to their specific characteristics and peculiarities. Criteria for their fruition and management are also evaluated. The challenge is to enrich and develop knowledge of Cultural Routes between East and West and to create a cooperation network among Mediterranean cities for the integrated conservation of the cultural and environmental heritage they share.