Conference on Religious Tourism, Sacred Heritage, and Pilgrimage in the Split-Dalmatia County
The Conference on Religious Tourism, Sacred Heritage, and Pilgrimage in the Split-Dalmatia County will be held on May 9, 2025, at the Arsenal Gallery in Hvar.
The conference is co-organized by the Tourist Board of the City of Hvar and the LUX Promocija agency, on the occasion of the feast day of St. Prosper, co-patron of the city of Hvar and the Diocese of Hvar.
Marking 16 years of LUX Promocija’s efforts in developing cultural and religious tourism on a national level, this year’s conference theme emphasizes the sustainable development of religious tourism in the Split-Dalmatia County, based on its valuable cultural-historical and sacred heritage, as well as the rich traditional heritage of the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska and the Diocese of Hvar. These areas still preserve an authentic and non-commercialized expression of devotion to traditional values, which must be protected and preserved through sustainable management in the face of ongoing tourism expansion—for the benefit of the local community.
In the Diocese of Hvar, also known as the Diocese of Hvar-Brač-Vis, the tourist season traditionally begins each year with the feast of St. Prosper. This region is among the most successful tourist destinations in Croatia and Europe. The name “Prosper” itself evokes spiritual prosperity, joy, growth, and success. Therefore, through the exceptional program of this conference, the aim is to reposition Hvar, the Dalmatian islands, and the fascinating Zagora—which are currently revitalizing and protecting their cultural-historical and sacred heritage through significant investment—as top destinations in Croatia’s cultural tourism offering.
PROGRAM – May 9, 2025 | Hvar, Arsenal Gallery
11:00 – 11:15 Opening Remarks
11:15 – 11:30
Cultural Policy of Managing (Sacred) Heritage in Split-Dalmatia County as a Paradigm of Cultural Identity
— Mislav Vušković, on behalf of the Head of the Department for Culture, Sports and Technical Culture of Split-Dalmatia County
11:35 – 11:50
Sacred Heritage of the City of Hvar – Conservation and Restoration of Hvar Churches as Added Value to Tourism Development
— Anita Gamulin, Head of the Regional Department for Conservation, Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, Conservation Department in Split, Ministry of Culture and Media
11:55 – 12:10
Valuing the Sacred Heritage of Old Split in Tourism – Awakening of Religious Meaning
— Don Danko Kovačević, Vice-Rector of the Central Theological Seminary in Split
12:15 – 12:30
Conservation-Restoration Works as a Starting Point for the Valorization and Presentation of Cultural Assets
— Ivana Svedružić Šeparović, Head of the Department for Units Outside Zagreb, Croatian Conservation Institute
— Zrinka Lujić, Head of the Split Conservation Department, Croatian Conservation Institute
12:35 – 12:50
Interpretation Center of St. James Cathedral – Civitas Sacra in Šibenik
— Valentino Dražić Celić, Civitas Sacra
12:50 – 13:30 Refreshment Break
13:30 – 13:45
Tourism Valorization of the “Following the Cross” Procession
— Marija Marjan, Director of the Jelsa Municipality Tourist Board
13:50 – 14:05
The Path of Our Lady of Sinj – A Pilgrimage Route
— Associate Professor Dr. sc. Fra Domagoj Runje, Catholic Theological Faculty in Split
14:10 – 14:25
Development Potential of Religious Tourism on the Island of Vis
— Tena Gorjanović Rajevski, Director of the Komiža Tourist Board
— Lana Schmidt, Executive Director of the Vis Archipelago Geopark
14:30 – 14:45
Spiritual and Authentic – Makarska Beyond the Postcard
— Marina Josipović, Director of the Makarska Tourist Board
14:50 – 15:05
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Stomorija and the Biblical Garden in Kaštel Novi
— Ante Žanić, President of the Stomorija Biblical Garden Association
Admission to the educational lectures is free of charge.
For more information and to confirm attendance, contact: info@lux-promocija.com
