The Project

This project brings together the numerous communities across Europe that celebrate the heritage of Columbanus and his disciples, of whom the best known is Saint Gall.

Their memory remains alive in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy, in the form not only of remarkable heritage sites but also places, clubs, schools and churches that carry the names of Columbanus and Gall.

The aim of the Via Columbani partnership is to bring together these communities, to promote this relatively little-known heritage and to undertake shared cultural, sporting and educational activities.

The Via Columbani is also a network of walking and pilgrimage routes that trace the journeys of Columbanus and his followers across Europe, thus forging ties between these many communities and cultures.

The logo of the Partnership features:

• the personality and determination of Columbanus,
• the sun that is traditionally shown shining from his breast,
• the road or path that links these communities,
• and the dove of peace.