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Horizon-funded research project is shedding new light on the historical circulation of Russian religious art across the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.
RICONTRANS (Project ID: 818791), funded under Horizon 2020, examines the transfer and reception of Russian religious artefacts, including icons and ecclesiastical furnishings, from the 16th to the early 20th century. The project runs from May 2019 to October 2025 and is coordinated in Greece.
The research focuses on artefacts preserved in museums, monasteries and church collections throughout the region. These objects, often overlooked in previous scholarship, provide valuable insight into religious diplomacy, artistic exchange and cultural interaction between Russia and Southeast Europe.
By mapping the movement of religious artworks and analysing their reception, RICONTRANS contributes to a deeper understanding of shared cultural heritage in the Balkans. The project highlights how the region has historically functioned as a crossroads of artistic influence and religious networks.
Beyond its historical dimension, the project also demonstrates the strong participation of Southeast European institutions in EU research programmes and the region’s capacity to contribute to high-quality research in the humanities.
More information is available on the CORDIS project page: