The “Routes of Masonic Architecture and Heritage” website presents a European cultural itinerary highlighting Masonic history and heritage. At this time, it proposes the discovery of some thirty sites such as temples, libraries, private collections, museums and theaters. Destinations include Austria, Belgium, France, the Canary Islands, Macedonia, Poland, Romania and Serbia. And soon, most likely, the Czech Republic.

This remarkable initiative aims to preserve and enhance this heritage through an interdisciplinary dialogue spanning the 18th to 21st centuries, while highlighting the cultural and historical impact of Freemasons in Europe.

The origins

The Grande Loge de France (GLDF) and other European Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons (REAA) are applying for Council of Europe “Cultural Routes” certification. Launched in 2019, this project, led by an independent association the AAPM (Association Architecture et Patrimoine Maçonniques), is being taken up again this year in order to submit an application with a view to obtaining Council of Europe certification in 2026.

The AAPM Board of Directors is already on the warpath, and meetings are taking place in quick succession. Their plan is now to rapidly integrate new Obediences. All network members met in Paris after the close of the Convent of the Grande Loge de France on September 15.

The “Routes d’Architecture et de Patrimoine Maçonniques” website offers thematic itineraries.

They enable visitors to discover different aspects of Masonic heritage along well-defined geographical routes. These itineraries include visits to Masonic temples, historic buildings and other significant sites.

Each site presented on the platform is accompanied by a detailed description.
This includes historical, architectural and cultural information. These descriptions provide a better understanding of the context and significance of each site in the history of Freemasonry.

The site also offers a wealth of documentary resources. Articles, studies and publications on Freemasonry and its heritage are available to readers. These documents are intended to deepen visitors’ knowledge and provide references for those wishing to find out more.

A section dedicated to news and events informs visitors about conferences, exhibitions and other events related to freemasonry and its heritage. This enables visitors to keep abreast of current initiatives and projects in this field.
The site encourages interaction with visitors by allowing contributions and the sharing of experiences. Users can submit suggestions for sites to include in itineraries, or share their own discoveries.

A website for whom ?

The site is aimed at a wide audience, including members of Freemasonry, history and architecture enthusiasts, researchers, and the general public interested in discovering this specific heritage.

The site has recently been enriched with a “News” section, enabling visitors to follow events, the latest research, exhibitions and initiatives relating to Freemasonry and its heritage. This new section helps to make the site more lively and interactive, offering regular updates that fuel the curiosity and commitment of visitors.

Conclusion

“Routes d’Architecture et de Patrimoine Maçonniques” is a rich and instructive platform dedicated to the promotion and discovery of Masonic heritage in Europe. By offering thematic itineraries, detailed information and documentary resources, the site plays an important role in raising awareness and enhancing the value of this unique heritage.

The site’s Scientific and Advisory Council recently met. One of its missions is to organize actions to promote and enhance the site and its heritage, such as travelling exhibitions, conferences and publications. It validated the option of holding a first European cultural event in Vienna, Austria, in October 2025, on the theme: “Anti-Masonry in the former Soviet bloc countries”.

Sources : Frère Jean-Claude Joly, Président AAPM ; le site route33.eu ; la newsletter de la Grand Loge de France