The TRANSROMANICA route was established between 2003-2006 to promote cultural tourism and connections between regions based on their shared Romanesque historical and architectural heritage in 8 European countries. It received recognition from the Council of Europe as a "Major Cultural Route" in 2007. The route highlights Romanesque art and architecture from 12 regions in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, and Spain dating back to the 11th century, when the Romanesque style first spread across Europe and became a common architectural language.