The Prehistoric Rock Art Trails Network is celebrating a significant double anniversary. Firstly, we are marking fifteen years as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, a recognition that has strengthened our work in protecting and promoting rock art heritage. Secondly, we are commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the discovery of rock art in the municipality of Mação, a finding that has shaped the recent history of research in this field.
Mação is hosting us for the Annual Assembly of the International Association of Prehistoric Rock Art Trails, a forum that allows us to review our achievements in 2025. These include projects such as #ArtPoints, the launch of the Interreg TUpART program, and our participation in Culturales de España, initiatives that reflect the vitality and commitment of our network.
Furthermore, the Altamira Museum was awarded the ERAH Seal of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Route ‘Prehistoric Rock Art Trails,’ which is granted to rock art sites that comply with the best practices established in its official manual.
Looking ahead to 2026, we anticipate a year full of challenges and opportunities. The plan includes new actions that will strengthen international cooperation and the promotion of rock art as a shared European heritage.
We would like to acknowledge the excellent work carried out by our partners from the Municipality of Mação and the Terra Memoria Institute, whose progress we have been able to learn about in detail during these days. Their effort and dedication are an example of how research and cultural management contribute to local development and the international projection of heritage.
We also appreciate the warm welcome and the organization of this Assembly, which has allowed us to work in an atmosphere of trust and collaboration. We have felt part of a community united by the responsibility to preserve and disseminate a legacy that belongs to us all.
Muito obrigado, Maçao. We continue to move forward together in building a shared future for European rock art.
