About the project Cultural connectivity without borders
CULTURAL AREA is an integrated regional project funded under the Interreg Bulgaria – North Macedonia 2021–2027 programme. The project pursues regional development through tourism and a cultural heritage community, sharing good practices and putting new joint solutions into action.
The zone of cultural connectivity is outlined by four municipalities — Kyustendil and Dupnitsa in Bulgaria, and Kriva Palanka and Kratovo in the Republic of North Macedonia. Through the project's activities we aim to revive cultural spaces and develop tourism.
The thematic focus — European and traditional influences in 19th-century everyday life — is traced in architecture, fashion and household objects through the theme "A la Franga".
The lead partner of the project is the Regional Historical Museum "Acad. Yordan Ivanov" – Kyustendil, and it is implemented jointly with the Historical Museum – Dupnitsa, the City Museum – Kriva Palanka and the Association "Peoniya", Kratovo, with the support of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and the Municipality of Kyustendil.
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Total budget EUR 984,870.01
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European funding 85% — Interreg / EU
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National co-financing 15% — BG & RNM
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Lead partner Regional History Museum – Kyustendil
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Project manager Ani Istatkova
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Implementation period 24 months · from 23 April 2025
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Project ID BGMK0200027
Project structure Four work packages — one goal
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Work Package 1
Situational analysis of the resource potential
Activity 1.1 — An interdisciplinary study of European influences on Balkan traditions. Research into the "A la Franga" theme in the region's architecture, fashion, household objects and way of life.
Activity 1.2 — A study of good European practices in the marketing of tourist destinations built on cultural heritage. Analysis and adaptation of successful models for the region.
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Work Package 2
Revitalization of cultural heritage sites
Emfiedzhieva House (Kyustendil) — Revitalization and restoration of the architectural ensemble. The site will become a tourist and educational center for the region.
Kriva Palanka Town Museum — Building additional museum spaces for cultural and educational activities within a modern museum environment.
Open-Air Museum — the village of Gradec — Creating a new open-air tourist destination tied to the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
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Work Package 3
Virtualization of Cultural Area
- Shared digital platform — A joint cultural calendar, interactive map, GPS routes and a digital passport for all sites across the four municipalities.
- Catalogue "The Old Houses Tell Stories" — An online register of Revival-era houses with the history, architectural plan and current condition of each.
- Mobile app — An integrated tourism product with offline access, an audio guide in 4 languages and a QR system for collecting points.
- Multimedia products — Video content, 3D models and 360° virtual tours of key heritage sites.
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Work Package 4
Presenting and promoting the product
- "19th-Century Balkan Heritage" Festival — A three-day cross-border festival bringing together music, traditions, crafts and gastronomy from both sides of the border.
- Audience Lab — An interactive/intelligent visitor-tracking system for the partner institutions. A pilot innovative action for the region.
- Gamified workshops — 2 workshops: "A la Franga Window" and "Magnetic Souvenir", with educational materials and documentation.
- Eco-education for children — A 3-day camp with participants from Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia, focused on the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
Main Goal and Approaches
The project's main goal is to showcase the long-standing traditions and the deep connection between the communities and the cultural heritage of the cross-border region. Because cultural and natural heritage are key drivers of sustainable tourism, the initiative focuses on integrated solutions to the challenges outlined in European and national strategic documents. The project builds cross-sector partnerships through an interdisciplinary approach.
This objective is achieved through:
- An integrated approach that strengthens good practices among the municipalities and partner cultural institutions.
- Tourism marketing and joint initiatives and events.
- Digital tools for engagement, fostering social connections and awareness in the communities.