MASONIC ARCHITECTURE AND HERITAGE ROUTES

Preserve and Enhance Masonic Heritage

© MAB

Objects and their symbols constitute, for Freemasons, elements of a common and unifying language. This itinerary aims to reveal the history of this language. The managers of the visited sites have worked hand in hand to present a common and original European identity through artistic, academic, touristic, and educational projects. The itinerary comprises around thirty sites: temples, libraries, private collections, museums, theaters, and birthplaces. Most of Masonic history is rooted in Europe. One of the key aspects of this itinerary is the recognition of the essential contribution of tradition and a certain cultural diversity through an essential interdisciplinary dialogue covering the period from the 17th to the 21st century. Freemasonry is an integral part of European civilization, to which it has made a unique and lasting contribution over the past three hundred years. The cultural itinerary program is an innovative and attractive way to highlight this remarkable history for a wider audience. European Masonic heritage, represented throughout Europe, promotes the discovery of a specific craftsmanship, as well as the recognition of the major role Freemasons have played in the continent’s history. The size of these itineraries varies greatly, with some covering just a city, while others span a region, a country, or even several, thus taking on an international dimension.

Must-Visit Destinations

France

Along the paths of the Masonic Architecture and Heritage Route, there are exceptional sites to discover in the South, along the western Atlantic coast, and up to the capital. These sites are true discoveries not to be missed.
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Austria

In Austria, the paths lead to Vienna, rich in Masonic history, which can be discovered throughout its well-restored streets and buildings. Exploring this history takes one back to a significant heritage, from Mozart to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where Freemasonry is prominently present.
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Serbia

A stroll through Belgrade offers many architectural surprises, revealing true treasures engraved on the facades of buildings. You will also find two suggested walks in the city, which provide a glimpse into Serbian heritage that has been miraculously preserved despite challenging periods since 1940. Enjoy the discovery !
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Romania

Since 1848, there existed in the center of Bucharest a ‘Street of the Freemasons,’ which retained this name until October 1940 (renamed Ștefan Furtună during the communist era and Mircea Vulcănescu since 1990). The ‘Master Mason Manole Walk’ attests to a myth of the guild of church builders in the Middle Ages on the territory of present-day Romania, which Mircea Eliade had already connected to the founding myths of Freemasonry. The country offers explorers all sorts of discoveries of remarkable architectural and Masonic heritage sites.
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Poland

In Poland, the journey first leads to the University Library of Poznan to see 80,000 Masonic works in various languages, including 2,400 in French dating back to 1730, which were stolen during World War II by the Nazis. Next, in Tarnowskie Góry, a UNESCO-listed town, the cultural heritage has been enriched thanks to the town hall, which recovered objects from two Masonic lodges destroyed by the Nazi regime to create a museum. In this region, rich in silver mines, Freemasonry was highly developed. In the same town, a beautifully reconstructed castle houses a Masonic museum and a temple with Masonic furniture, where the lodge of the Grand Lodge of France has been able to meet for its work. One can spend a few days there, as there is a hotel and a restaurant.
Discover

Belgium

Since 1848, there existed in the center of Bucharest a ‘Street of the Freemasons,’ which retained this name until October 1940 (renamed Ștefan Furtună during the communist era and Mircea Vulcănescu since 1990). The ‘Master Mason Manole Walk’ attests to a myth of the guild of church builders in the Middle Ages on the territory of present-day Romania, which Mircea Eliade had already connected to the founding myths of Freemasonry. The country offers explorers all sorts of discoveries of remarkable architectural and Masonic heritage sites.
Discover

Slovenia

The seed of Freemasonry fell on Slovenian soil as early as the 18th century, but it was only with the Illyrian Provinces that it began to sprout within the local population. Historical circumstances then froze this growth, but when it finally flourished at the end of the 20th century, Slovenian Freemasonry drew from this same source. The paths are diverse and attractive in strolls through the capital.
Discover

cartography

France

Along the paths of the Masonic Architecture and Heritage Route, there are exceptional sites to discover in the South, along the western Atlantic coast, and up to the capital. These sites are true discoveries not to be missed.

Belgium

The diversity and remarkable architecture of the Temples in Belgium, whether in Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Liège, or Bruges, Tournai, and Namur, truly encourage exploring the paths of Freemasonry. The cultural and historical heritage is also noteworthy and will surely spark the curiosity of everyone!

Austria

In Austria, the paths lead to Vienna, rich in Masonic history, which can be discovered throughout its well-restored streets and buildings. Exploring this history takes one back to a significant heritage, from Mozart to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where Freemasonry is prominently present.

Poland

In Poland, the journey first leads to the University Library of Poznan to see 80,000 Masonic works in various languages, including 2,400 in French dating back to 1730, which were stolen during World War II by the Nazis.

Next, in Tarnowskie Góry, a UNESCO-listed town, the cultural heritage has been enriched thanks to the town hall, which recovered objects from two Masonic lodges destroyed by the Nazi regime to create a museum. In this region, rich in silver mines, Freemasonry was highly developed. In the same town, a beautifully reconstructed castle houses a Masonic museum and a temple with Masonic furniture, where the lodge of the Grand Lodge of France has been able to meet for its work. One can spend a few days there, as there is a hotel and a restaurant.

Romania

Since 1848, there existed in the center of Bucharest a ‘Street of the Freemasons,’ which retained this name until October 1940 (renamed Ștefan Furtună during the communist era and Mircea Vulcănescu since 1990). The ‘Master Mason Manole Walk’ attests to a myth of the guild of church builders in the Middle Ages on the territory of present-day Romania, which Mircea Eliade had already connected to the founding myths of Freemasonry. The country offers explorers all sorts of discoveries of remarkable architectural and Masonic heritage sites.

Serbia

A stroll through Belgrade offers many architectural surprises, revealing true treasures engraved on the facades of buildings. You will also find two suggested walks in the city, which provide a glimpse into Serbian heritage that has been miraculously preserved despite challenging periods since 1940. Enjoy the discovery !

Slovenia

The seed of Freemasonry fell on Slovenian soil as early as the 18th century, but it was only with the Illyrian Provinces that it began to sprout within the local population. Historical circumstances then froze this growth, but when it finally flourished at the end of the 20th century, Slovenian Freemasonry drew from this same source. The paths are diverse and attractive in strolls through the capital.

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