INTERREG II Italy/Switzerland Italy-Switzerland Examples of projects ¡ St. Bernardo, Patron Saint of the moun- tains The objective of this project is to create new attractions and activities around Gran San Bernardo (Aosta Valley) that will increase tourism in the region. Tourism, culture, and hiking paths in the region were developed gradually. A series of actions was carried out, initiated by the Italian part of the region in May 1999, involving the renovation of Bosses Castle and the installation of adequate visitor services. The ¡ Eligible areas castle was the property of the region but was bought by the Italy: Lombardy, Aosta Valley, Piemonte and Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses local authority for the purposes of the province of Bolzano the project. Restoration of the Napoléon Route started at the end of 1999, and certain sections of this ancient ¡ Financing Roman road have been enhanced with historical and Total cost: 52.333 million euro touristic information points. Other Roman ruins are under EU contribution: 20 million euro revision for renovation under the “Plan de Jupiter” (a cul- tural and touristic circuit which promotes this cross-bor- ¡ Areas of intervention der region). On the Swiss side of the border a cultural cen- Economic promotion through tre will be set up in the priory of Bourg-Saint-Pierre. The pri- cross-border co-operation 31.55% ory will also be renovated. Mountain paths in the area will Development of agriculture, forestry and fishing 20.22% be marked and equipped with signposts. Finally a daily Preservation and development of the natural, cross-border shuttle service will be chartered. historical and cultural heritage 46.79% A shared administrative structure responsible for the man- Technical assistance 1.44% agement of this project is in preparation. These measures were made possible by an agreement passed in October 1998 between the Saint- Rhémy-en-Bosses, Saint-Oyen and Etroubles (Aosta Valley, Italy) and the municipal authorities of Bourg-Saint-Pierre (Valais, Switzerland). ¡ “In the path of the Ice Man of Similaun” This project is carried out under the authority of the Bolanzo province, and its origins are linked to the discov- ery of archaeological paths in the Senales valley. A similar project called “Senda Culturala” was carried out in the Basse Engadine/Val Müstair region (Switzerland). The objective of this project is to produce itineraries and documentation on the way of life of the ”Similaun Man ”. The historical habitat of the mummy has been recon- structed with reference to numerous anthropological works and photographs. During the summer of 1999, excursions were organised to the Juval Castle and to the ¡ Contact Fosse Valley (Pfossental, Italy), and tourists were provided Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri with an opportunity to discover this Ice Man themselves. Dipartimento per il coordinamento delle Politiche A German television channel (ZDF) in collaboration with Communitarie an Austrian channel (ORF) is going to produce a film on Via del Giardino Theodoli, 66 the subject. As a result of the success of this project, I - 00186 ROMA more emphasis will be placed in the future on opening up Tel: +39 6 67 79 53 55 the entire Venosta region to the public, as well as improv- Fax: +39 6 67 79 53 26 ing offers made by the tourism operators. 30.