The Government of Gibraltar is pleased to highlight Gibraltar’s participation in the FORTE CULTURA Congress 2026, a major European gathering focused on fortified heritage and sustainable tourism, held in nearby La Línea de la Concepción.

As part of the congress programme, delegates were offered a special visit to Gibraltar, where they were given a guided tour of the Northern Defences—one of the most significant and evolving heritage projects on the Rock.

The tour was led by Carl Viagas, alongside Kaianne from the Gibraltar Tourist Board, and provided visiting experts with a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the scale, complexity, and ongoing research associated with the site.

Delegates were introduced to newly revealed defensive structures, communication lines, and archaeological features uncovered through extensive clearance and investigation works. The visit highlighted not only the physical uniqueness of the Northern Defences, but also the innovative research being undertaken to better understand Gibraltar’s historic landscape and its role within wider European defensive networks.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Viagas emphasised the importance of international collaboration in advancing heritage understanding: “What days like this demonstrate is that heritage is not static—it evolves through collaboration. By bringing together specialists, researchers, and practitioners from different fields and regions, we begin to see these defences not as isolated structures, but as part of a much wider, interconnected story. It is through this kind of joint effort and shared expertise that we deepen our understanding and unlock the true value of our heritage.”

The organisers of the congress also highlighted the importance of such exchanges. Mr. Dirk Röder noted the value of bringing together international expertise and local knowledge: “The role of FORTE CULTURA as a European Cultural Route is, to connect people, places and expertise across Europe. Under the slogan - Fortresses for Culture and Peace - we make European fortresses accessible to everyone. By creating opportunities for professionals to meet on site, share insights, and learn from one another, we strengthen both our understanding and the future of fortified heritage. It was particularly rewarding to experience Gibraltar’s Northern Defences in this way—it was great to see the fortress through Carl’s eyes.”

The Government notes that Gibraltar’s inclusion in the congress programme reflects the growing recognition of the Northern Defences as a site of European significance. The project aligns closely with the congress themes of sustainable tourism, cross-border cooperation, and the development of cultural routes linking fortified heritage across the continent.

The visit also reinforced the importance of collaboration between Gibraltar and its regional partners, demonstrating how shared heritage can act as a bridge for knowledge exchange, tourism development, and cultural engagement.

The Government of Gibraltar remains committed to supporting the continued development of the Northern Defences project, recognising its value not only as a heritage asset, but as a driver of education, tourism, and international cooperation.

The Minister for Heritage, Prof John Cortes, said: “The Northern Defences are one of Gibraltar’s most exciting heritage projects, revealing new layers of our history as research and clearance works continue. This visit allowed international experts to appreciate not only the significance of the site, but also the care, expertise and vision being applied to its development. We remain committed to ensuring that this remarkable area is protected, understood and enjoyed by future generations.”

The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, said: “Gibraltar’s participation in the FORTE CULTURA Congress demonstrates the strength of our European and regional connections, and the important role that heritage can play in bringing people together across borders. The Northern Defences are a powerful example of Gibraltar’s unique place in European history, and their inclusion in this programme reflects growing international recognition of the Rock’s fortified heritage.”