The tourist route “In the footsteps of Austro-Hungary” has been officially opened in Stropkov. In attendance at the opening were representatives of public authorities, cultural institutions, educational bodies and associations, along with borderland inhabitants.
In his short speech, Mr Ondrej Brendza, Mayor of the Slovakian City of Stropkov, emphasised the significant role of the project in increasing the use of cultural and natural heritage by the inhabitants of Rzeszów and Stropkov, and tourists visiting the cities. ” We have concentrated our efforts on delineating a route that could be used by the widest possible group of inhabitants and tourists. We have constructed a route that is bound to be loved by cyclists. Many inhabitants of Stropkov and the neighbourhood are cross-country skiers and they will be able to use to route in winter. I think that we have offered borderland inhabitants an attraction that has been lacking so far,” said the event’s host.
The ribbon was symbolically cut by Ondrej Brendza, Ryszard Winiarski, Director of the Photography Gallery of the City of Rzeszów, and the project coordinators: Ewelina Ślęzak and Peter Novak. The official part of the route opening was followed by a walk along the route and a feast.
The tourist route “In the footsteps of Austro-Hungary” follows the historical “Józefinka” route, which linked Rzeszów and Stropkov in the 19th century. The route brings together the most valuable cultural heritage objects dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, in particular those related to the military history of the borderland, the judiciary and administration. It includes some newly-constructed recreational infrastructure (an observation tower, a wooden gazebo, and two shelters with fireplaces). The route is 45 km long on the Slovakian side and 99 km long on the Polish side.