November 2, 2024 “Cemeteries tell their stories”

Activities to enhance the value of Italian cemeteries on the occasion of the COMMEMORATION OF THE DEAD

On the Commemoration of the Deceased, the Italian cemeteries that are members of the Technical Table for Cultural and Tourist Enhancement of SEFIT Utilitalia, want to once again highlight their cemeteries for the important educational function they play for the history, values, arts and with regard to the protagonists of a certain era in our society. Sometimes defined as open-air museums for the architecture or art forms present there: the busts, statues and epigraphs regarding heroes of the past and, much more frequently than in today's cities, also of ladies, women, heroines who, through their courage, kindness or philanthropy, show us the sense of looking forward by reading the signs of the past, deposited for us in the cemeteries.

For this special occasion, an interactive poster entitled “Cemeteries tell their stories” is published on the website www.Sefit.org, consisting of a series of buttons that launch visual content with the intention of presenting the following cemeteries: Monumental of Trento, Verano of Rome, Staglieno of Genoa, Monumental of Milan, Certosa of Bologna, Monumental of Turin, Certosa of Ferrara, Monumental of Andria and Mantua.

Here is the link to the interactive poster. 

ASCE President at the all-Slovenian Cultural Routes meeting

On October 10, 2024, ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, participated at the all-Slovenian meeting of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, organized by the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor.

34th Days of European Cultural Heritage

Between September 28 and October 12, 2024, a series of events took place in numerous locations throughout Slovenia and its neighboring regions as part of the 34th Days of European Cultural Heritage and the 12th Cultural Heritage Week. This year's theme was "Heritage of Cultural Routes, Networking, and Connections."

Roundtable discussion: Connecting for Peace and Intercultural Cooperation

As part of these events, the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor, a member of the Academic Network of Cultural Routes, organized an all-Slovenian meeting of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. This event was held on October 10, 2024, in Ljubljana, and featured a roundtable discussion titled "Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe – Connecting for Peace and Intercultural Cooperation." The meeting was also intended for discussions about the knowledge and competencies needed for cultural and thematic routes in Slovenia.

At the round table, Mrs Irena Marš from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia was joined by representatives of two Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe coordinated from Slovenia: Mrs Lidija Pliberšek from the European Cemeteries Route, and Mrs Andreja Rihter from the Women Writers' Route. The fourth participant was Mr Edvard Kovač, representing the Saint Martin of Tours Route, the first Slovenian route to receive the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe certification.

You can find the official PR statement about the event (in Slovenian) at this LINK.

European Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe

Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, president of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), spoke about the importance of cemeteries in building peace. Military cemeteries play a central role in this by reminding us of the tragedies, horrors, and suffering caused by wars. Additionally, cemeteries serve as a reminder of equality in death, emphasizing the respect for diversity, and the European Cemeteries Route plays an active role in this context.

ASCE president also introduced the Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe initiative, launched by the Association in 2024 to support the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As part of the initiative, the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2024 focused on environmental sustainability and climate change, with events and activities showcasing how cemeteries and visitors can contribute to reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, this project received the Best Practice Award 2024, granted by the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in September 2024.

Event highlights:

*The content is partially excerpted from the PR statement by Dr. Maja Turnšek.

European Cemeteries Route received the Best Practice Award 2024

The award-winning initiative was Week of Discovering European Cemeteries: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change.

Best Practice Award 2024

At the 13th Annual Advisory Forum of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held in Budapest, Hungary, from 25 to 27 September 2024, six Cultural Routes received the "Best Practice Award" for promoting cultural heritage.

Among them, the European Cemeteries Route was recognized for its focus on Cultural Tourism and Sustainable Development. The award-winning initiative, titled "Week of Discovering European Cemeteries: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change," encouraged ASCE and European Cemeteries Route members to organize over 30 events in 22 cemeteries across seven European countries. These events emphasized the role of cemeteries as green spaces and promoted sustainable practices. Activities included guided tours, exhibitions, and open calls for sustainable improvements.

For more information about the award ceremony and the other winners, please visit this LINK.

European Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe

The theme for the 2024 Week of Discovering European Cemeteries, "Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change," was developed as part of the ASCE initiative "Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe," launched in 2024 to promote the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Details of the initiative and the WDEC 2024 examples of good practice can be found HERE.

Invitation to the 3rd Virtual Colloquium on cemeteries

The Cemetery Research Group invites you to participate in the 3rd Virtual Colloquium on cemeteries, taking place on 15th November 2024 via Zoom.

About the event

On Friday, 15th November 2024, a virtual colloquium organized by the Cemetery Research Group will take place via the Zoom platform.

The main theme is cemeteries and death practices, focusing on how burial and commemoration customs intersect with social, cultural, and political changes across different countries and historical periods. Speakers from around the world will address a range of subjects, including the transformation of funeral practices, the architectural and legal aspects of cemeteries, and the evolving role of cemeteries in urban settings.

This year's keynote speaker is professor Andrew Kipnis, who has written extensively on funeral practices in China. His presentation, titled "Ghosts, Urbanization, and Strangers in China and Hong Kong", will offer insightful perspectives on these themes.

The full programme with the list of speakers and their topics is available HERE.

Registration details

Attendance at the virtual colloquium is free of charge, but registration is required to secure your spot and receive Zoom invitations to the sessions you wish to attend.

To register, please complete the form at this LINK. Deadline for registration is 8th November 2023.

For any additional questions, please contact Dr. Julie Rugg at julierugg36@gmail.com.

*Photo source: https://www.cemeteryresearch.org/events/

Study day and book presentation of Memento Mori III: The Sustainable Cemetery

You are cordially invited to the study day and book presentation of Memento Mori III, which will take place on October 24, 2024, in Nossegem, Belgium.

Study day and book presentation

The Memento Mori III project managers invite you to participate in a study day and the presentation of the book Memento Mori III: The Sustainable Cemetery. The event will take place on October 24, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM in Nossegem, Belgium.

Participation is free of charge, but due to limited seating, registration is required. Please register by emailing boekvoorstelling@memento-mori.be.

You can find the event program and additional information HERE.

About the book

Memento Mori III: The Sustainable Cemetery, edited by Tamara Ingels and Joeri Mertens, is the latest book in the Memento Mori series.

This book offers insights into historical research, heritage, green cemeteries, and the funerary landscape, all while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The authors share knowledge and practical experiences, providing sustainable tips for readers. Memento Mori III seeks to engage readers in the sustainability debate surrounding cemeteries, fostering ongoing growth, development, and reflection on these critical topics.

The book will be available for purchase at the event, or you can order it online. More details about the book project can be found at this LINK.

Lisbon's 3rd Cultural Week in Cemeteries

Between October 5th and 13th, 2024, guided tours, concerts, workshops, virtual talks, and other activities will take place at Lisbon's cemeteries.

About the event

From October 5th to October 13th, 2024, the city of Lisbon will host the 3rd Cultural Week in Cemeteries, an initiative dedicated to valuing and promoting Portugal's rich cemetery heritage. This unique event features a diverse program of guided tours, workshops, and special activities designed to engage the public with the historical and cultural significance of cemeteries.

Program

This year's program includes a series of new guided tours that will take place in Lisbon's cemeteries, as well as at the Museum of Lisbon and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, where special tours focused on the themes of burials and cemeteries are planned.

To commemorate the Proclamation of the Portuguese Republic Day on October 5th, the Municipal Newspaper Archive will conduct a tour that explores the legacy of Portugal's First Republic and honors the Republicans laid to rest at the Alto de São João Cemetery.

The British Cemetery and the German Cemetery will also participate in the event, providing both guided and self-guided tours. A special "Open Day" at Prazeres Cemetery, in collaboration with the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, will allow visitors to explore several mausoleums and appreciate their interiors, featuring stained-glass windows, altars, old photographs, memento mori, and beautifully carved coffins.

A highlight of the week will be a concert-guided tour within the Palmela Mausoleum, recognized as Europe’s largest private mausoleum. Attendees will enjoy musical compositions from the 19th century, contemporary to the life of the First Duke of Palmela, the mausoleum's architect.

The program also includes a Philosophy for Children workshop, inviting families to engage in thoughtful discussions about death, and a Death Cafe where participants can converse openly about mortality while enjoying tea, coffee, and cakes.

Furthermore, several municipalities surrounding Lisbon, including Loures, Palmela, Setúbal, and Vila Franca de Xira, are once again contributing to the event with guided tours, musical moments, and virtual talks.

Additional information and registration

All events and tours are free of charge, but registration is required. To register, please send an email to cemiterios.visitas@cm-lisboa.pt.

For the full program and additional information, visit the organizer's website.

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Literary event at Piratello Cemetery

On September 21, 2024, Imola’s Piratello Cemetery hosted an enchanting evening featuring readings from Valérie Perrin’s novel "Cambiare l’acqua ai fiori".

About the event

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, a unique literary event took place at the Piratello Cemetery in Imola, Italy. Alfonso Cuccurullo, an acclaimed Italian actor, director, and voice actor, captivated attendees with readings from "Cambiare l’acqua ai fiori” (eng. "Fresh Water for Flowers"), the poignant novel by Valérie Perrin (Edizioni E/O, 2019).

The readings, which began at 18.30, created an enchanting atmosphere as participants gathered in the serene surroundings of Imola’s historic cemetery. Cuccurullo’s expressive delivery brought the themes of life, loss, and memory from the novel to life, inviting reflection among listeners.

More information about the event can be found HERE.

*Photo source: https://www.culturaimola.it/events/alfonso-cuccurullo-al-cimitero-del-piratello

Rise in bronze thefts at cemeteries in Belgium

Belgian cemeteries are facing a surge in bronze thefts, leading to urgent warnings for increased security measures as the threat is expected to spread across Europe.

Warning to European Cemeteries

The Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe has become aware of an alarming surge in brazen bronze thefts targeting cemeteries in Belgium. This disturbing trend has affected several cemeteries since July 2024, including those in Antwerp, Hasselt, and Mechelen, where thieves have plundered significant funerary heritage and caused considerable damage to tombstones.

You can see some of the stolen pieces HERE.

Although these thefts are currently concentrated in Flanders, there is a high probability that they could spread across Europe. Evidence suggests the possibility of organized crime activity with international reach, meaning other ASCE-member cemeteries could soon become targets.

Recommended security measures

To safeguard your cemetery and its cultural heritage, we urge all managers to take the following precautions:

• Lock cemeteries after hours to limit unauthorized access.
• Install surveillance cameras to monitor suspicious activity.
• Engage local authorities for regular patrols or contract security services.
• Catalogue important heritage items with detailed descriptions and photographs.

Collaboration request

If your cemetery has experienced similar thefts, we kindly ask for your cooperation. We aim to understand if there are commonalities in the thefts and whether stolen pieces have been recovered. Please share your experiences, specifically:

• Were any stolen items recovered? If so, how?
• Was there a recurrent pattern or method to the thefts?
• What measures were effective in preventing future thefts?

If you have any information or questions, please contact Martijn.VanGroningen@antwerpen.be or admin@significantcemeteries.org.

*Photo attribution: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The growing peace tree at Lister Lane Cemetery

A year after it was planted, the peace tree continues to adorn Lister Lane Cemetery, supporting local wildlife and reminding us of the importance of peace.

Importance of the peace tree

On 12th November 2023, a Hawthorn tree was planted at Lister Lane Cemetery in Halifax, United Kingdom, as part of the ASCE Peace Tree Project. The project encourages the planting of trees at cemeteries worldwide as a living reminder to "Live in peace to rest in peace".

The Hawthorn, chosen for its longevity and significance to local wildlife, is now thriving in the cemetery. Its beautiful blossoms provide food for bees, and the berries attract birds, contributing to the delicate ecosystem of the cemetery grounds.

This tree is not just a symbol of remembrance but also of growth, renewal, and the importance of fostering peace in our daily lives. As it grows, so too does our hope for a peaceful future.

Memorable AGM and Conference 2024 in Budapest

The event offered inspiring cultural programs, historical tours, and engaging discussions on Cemeteries as Cultural Spaces of European Remembrance.

Just 3 years have passed and the team from National Heritage Institute of Hungary again organised a splendid AGM in Budapest. While the perfect organisation was already anticipated as we are used to their professionalism, they managed to show new inspiring highlights and cultural wonders of the Hungarian capital city.

Guided tours provided deep insights into various historical times of Hungary, all the time connecting it to the European wide context. Topping it all with understanding of cultural relationships and differences through food delights during lunch breaks and gala dinner. Most of all the cultural program in the Fiumei road Graveyard revealed how the cemetery can be a perfect stage for various night performances.

Conference inspired and served the professionals from various aspects of cemeteries. Touristic, artistic, historical, architectural and other topics merged but kept the same focus of Cemeteries as Cultural Spaces of European Remembrance.

The Annual General Geeting report can be found at the next link.

➤ AGM report

Conference: Cemeteries as Cultural Spaces of European Remembrance

The annual conference of ASCE took place on 20th September in the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest. Inspiring environment of the museum with prominent speakers and presentations provoked thoughtful discussions that continued for a long time after the official end of the conference.

Splendid organisation by the team of the National Heritage Institute of Hungary helped participants join their preferred topics and enjoy the conversations during the lunch break.

The 23 presentations are available for your further study at the following link.

➤ Conference presentations

Photos and video of AGM and Conference 2024

Inspiring programs full of most prominent cultural and historical highlights along with meetings of cemeteries and cultural management provided perfect scenery. Excellent photography and videography team made sure that each moment was recorded for a collection of our most precious memories.

At the link below you can find the full photo album of ASCE AGM and Conference 2024 and a short video of the event.

➤ Event photos

AGM 2024 report

On September 19th, the ASCE Annual General Meeting took place in Budapest, Hungary within the organisation of the National Heritage Institute of Hungary.

Over 50 participants joined the meeting and members' attendance quorum requirement was reached in the second call.

The AGM was preceded by Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE, and all steering committee members were present or gave proxy to other members. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1.Introduction

• Welcome speech by ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek.
• Welcome speech by host, Mr Gábor Móczár.

2.Presidency and Steering Committee activities 2022 / 2023

• Steering Committee meetings and sessions
• AGM 2023 in Mantua, Italy
• Attendance at TANEXPO
• Attendance to SEFIT meeting
• Roundtable discussion titled "Who Oversees the Restoration of Graves"
• Conference in Belgrade
• International conference on Cemetery studies
• Cultural Routes Training Seminar for national stakeholders
• Member visit: Krakow, The old Cemetery of Podgorze

3. Financial report and budget

4. ASCE administration and European Cemeteries Route activities

• Administration work overview
• IT and ARTOUR development
• Cultural routes workgroups and cooperation

5. Projects and activities

• Schools on cemeteries
• Peace tree
• Scientific work
• Communications
• Activities and networking in northern Europe

6. New members and significant cemeteries

7. Week of discovering European Cemeteries 2024 / 25

8. Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe and Gardens of 80

9. AGM 2025

10. Voting and conclusions

Members engaged in various debates on topics during and after the AGM, confirming the report and plans for the future work of ASCE. Detailed program and AGM presentation can be accessed in this link.

AGM was followed by a guided tour in the National Park of Mourning and evening guided tour in the Buda Castle by night.

AGM 2024: Useful information

Daily program, venue locations, transportation options, and other useful information about the AGM and Conference 2024, taking place from 19 to 21 September in Budapest, Hungary.

This year's AGM and Conference is quickly approaching. To ensure your visit to Budapest and participation in the event are as pleasant and stress-free as possible, we have compiled all the essential information in one place - including the daily program, venue locations, and transportation options.

You can download the document in PDF format at the following link:

AGM & Conference 2024 Guide

For any questions, please contact budapestasce@nori.gov.hu.

*Photo source: https://fiumeiutisirkert.nori.gov.hu/galeria

The T900 project: A bridge between generations

The T900 project, promoted by the Associazione Amici della Certosa di Bologna, aims to preserve the memory of the Certosa Monumental Cemetery in Bologna through art.

A place of memory

The Certosa Monumental Cemetery, which houses many of the Bologna families of the past, is an architectural work of great artistic and historical value. The tombs found here, true funerary artistic works, are designated MONUMENTUM, in Latin REMEMBRANCE, a place of memory and testimony for future generations.

About the T900 project

The project promoted by the Associazione Amici della Certosa di Bologna, focusing on individual significant tombs from the 20th century, aims to create a bridge between the past, present, and future, and to preserve over time the MEMORY that has been entrusted to us.

Through the active and direct participation of students, members of the Association, and Bologna citizens, a pilot project has come to life, aimed at increasing awareness of a growing number of funerary monuments. T900, conceived and coordinated by architect Francisco Pérez Amitrano, Vice President of the Association, has benefited from the collaboration of the Museo civico del Risorgimento of the Municipality of Bologna.

It has been presented at the Certosa with new itineraries, coinciding with the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries at the end of the school year.

Public presentation and archiving

In 2024, for the second consecutive year, students and teachers from the high school Liceo Artistico F. Arcangeli of Bologna, along with researchers and photographers from the Association, publicly presented their participation in the "Tombs ’900" project: students with graphic drawings and renderings of the tombs, and members with archival research and high-quality photographic documentation.

The collected materials are preserved by the Associazione Amici della Certosa with a dual intent: to build a growing archive for the benefit of the community and to foster in young students the MEMORY of their city.

Schools on Cemeteries

The Associazione Amici della Certosa di Bologna actively participates in the ASCE Schools on Cemeteries project and the T900 project is an excellent example of how to involve schoolchildren and youth in learning and preservation of cultural heritage in cemeteries through art.

The Pedagogical Suitcase project at Barcelona cemeteries

In 2024, Cementiris de Barcelona has expanded its educational services by introducing the Pedagogical Suitcase project, designed to bring funeral culture into schools.

Offering educational activities in schools

Cementiris de Barcelona is an active participant in the ASCE Schools on Cemeteries project and a member of Barcelona City Council's Pedagogical Innovation Council. 

Since 2013, they have been offering educational activities in schools to bring pupils closer to the funerary heritage of the cemeteries, reflecting Barcelona's historical evolution. Over the last few years, these activities have been developed and adapted to meet the needs of the school curriculum. 

In 2020, as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic, they took a step forward by creating three additional activities, allowing young people to express the concept of death from an artistic and creative perspective through the study and research of cemeteries. During this challenging time, there was a growing need to naturalise death and break existing taboos, which led many schools to turn to their pedagogical activities.

Own educational project

Barcelona is a city rich in cultural and museum offerings, and the range of educational activities provided by cultural organisations in schools is wide and varied. In response to this, Cementiris de Barcelona developed its own educational project aimed at all levels of education. This initiative enables the development of a range of basic skills to complement school education.

The cemeteries of Poblenou and Montjuïc, listed as monumental cemeteries by the Council of Europe and part of the European Cemeteries Route, offer students the opportunity to learn about the most important historical, social and cultural events in the history of Barcelona and its most illustrious figures.

These programs also encourage a critical view of societies and their organisations, promote open conversations about death, and foster respect for artistic and cultural heritage.

Collection of Hearses and El Fossar de la Pedrera

Another of the outstanding spaces in which educational activities are carried out is the Collection of Hearses, a unique heritage site in Europe. Here, visitors can explore the evolution of funeral rituals to better understand the change in mentality towards the concept of death, as well as learn about gender roles within the funeral world, particularly focusing on the role of widows.

Additionally, within Montjuïc Cemetery lies one of the main memorials to the victims of Franco's regime in Catalonia, El Fossar de la Pedrera. This site offers an opportunity to delve into one of the most impactful episodes in recent history, the Spanish Civil War, raising students' awareness of the violence that can be inflicted by the state.

The diversity of activities and the historical and heritage value of the cemeteries have also attracted schools from France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, who have brought their pupils to explore Barcelona's cemeteries.

The Pedagogical Suitcase project

In 2024, Cementiris de Barcelona has expanded its educational services by introducing the Pedagogical Suitcase during the current academic year. This set of pedagogical tools is designed to bring funeral culture into schools and address bereavement among younger students.

The activities are structured for classroom learning and can be followed by visits to the cemetery, allowing students to experience firsthand what they have learned in class and gain a deeper understanding of their role in society.

The goal of these activities is to help students engage with a reality that affects everyone equally, while understanding that, although death is a universal event, there is a great diversity of ways to approach and experience it.

Additionally, the program familiarises students with different religious traditions, encourages them to reflect on their own lives and values, and helps them develop better emotional management by exploring the range of emotions that bereavement can evoke.

Educational activities for kids at Vienna Central Cemetery

Discover the diverse program of interesting and educational activities for children, taking place at the Vienna Central Cemetery in 2024.

150 years of Vienna Central Cemetery

In 2024, Vienna Central Cemetery celebrates its 150th anniversary. To mark this significant milestone, a year-long program of special activities has been organized, placing a strong emphasis on the official WDEC 2024 theme Environmental sustainability and climate change. 

Since the cemetery is also an active participant in the Schools on Cemeteries project, there are many activities tailored specifically for schools and children of all ages. A selection of these activities is highlighted below, while the entire program can be found at this LINK.

Open Beehive Day

What's buzzing there? The bees of the Vienna Central Cemetery are in their spring dress. The beekeepers are at least as hard-working as the bees themselves and are happy to be able to offer a colorful program.

There is a lot to learn, for example about the importance of bees for the environment and pollination of plants, about the development and lifestyle of bees and of course about beekeeping. What are bee products like beeswax, propolis and royal jelly?

We are offering craft stations for children and small snacks and drinks available.

Art Adventure Workshops

In this workshop we paint in acrylic and with fluorescent night-glow paints on canvas.

In the inspiring surroundings of Vienna's Central Cemetery, we create a cool picture that is reminiscent of the unique workshop even weeks after it was created.

Urban Gardening Workshops

Important basics on watering, mulching, hoeing, fertilizing and weeding in organic vegetable growing. Determining soil composition with simple tests: which soil should I work with? Seasonal calendar: Basics of how a gardening season works, what happens when? Use of home remedies in the garden and basic knowledge of identifying beneficial insects and pests as well as recognizing important characteristics of vegetable plants. 

With a joint open question and answer session/exchange.

The sound of birds

Not only the dreamy voices of blackbirds can be admired at the Vienna Central Cemetery, but also, depending on the weather and season, owls, swifts, marsh harriers and sometimes the rare hoopoe with its magnificent headdress.

It's best to come equipped with binoculars or a keen ear to get to know the diverse world of birds that use the central cemetery as their refuge.

Cemetery nature for kids

The natural garden of the Vienna Central Cemetery is a very special place. Its extensive, natural meadows provide a protected habitat for numerous animals. We are sure to hear it chirping, fluttering and rustling in the bushes and, with a bit of luck, see deer, field hamsters, hedgehogs, pheasants and butterflies.

This natural paradise is also perfect for getting to know lots of wild herbs, bushes and trees in a playful way and discovering with all our senses what they can be used for. Which plants are edible, which are used as medicine, as a fragrance or even for making clothes.

 A cozy herbal picnic concludes our nature exploration tour.

New Guillotière Cemetery at WorldSkills Lyon 2024

As part of the WorldSkills 2024 event, the Municipality of Lyon will host two workshops at the New Guillotière Cemetery in Lyon, France.

About the WorldSkills event

WorldSkills is an international competition that brings together young professionals from around the globe to showcase their expertise in a variety of skilled trades and vocational disciplines. It serves as a platform to promote global standards in education and industry skills. This year, the event will take place in Lyon, France, from September 10 to 15, 2024, featuring competitions, workshops, and exhibitions that highlight technical and vocational skills.

Workshops at the New Guillotière Cemetery

As part of the WorldSkills 2024 event and the company open days on September 13 and 14, the Municipality of Lyon, a member of ASCE, will host two unique workshops at the New Guillotière Cemetery in Lyon, France.

The first workshop invites attendees to stroll through the cemetery's tranquil paths, where they will discover famous tombs, renaturation efforts, and various traces of history with the help of a dedicated guide using the mobile app ARtour.

While the cemetery itself is a place of beauty and history, the work behind the scenes is equally vital. The second workshop focuses on the administrative side of cemetery management, offering a rare glimpse into the services and professions that are sometimes hidden from public view.

For additional information, please contact vincent.tripier@mairie-lyon.fr.

Cemeteries as versatile places of learning

The Guillotière Nouveau Cemetery’s participation in WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is a testament to the diverse educational opportunities cemeteries offer. Beyond their traditional role, cemeteries serve as valuable resources for learning about art, history, architecture, flora, and fauna. Additionally, they provide insights into various professions and skills and demonstrate how modern technology can be effectively used to enrich the learning experience.

Cemeteries for sustainable Europe 2024: Environmental sustainability and climate change

The WDEC 2024 theme and part of the ASCE initiative "Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe", launched in 2024 to promote the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

WDEC 2024 and the United Nations goal 11

For centuries, cemeteries have been the green oases of the cities. All through the industrial revolution, while cities were expanding the concrete and glass building, cemeteries preserved and expanded nature.

It is incorporated deep within the mission of the cemeteries to provide a peaceful environment where the visitor can relax and focus on memories. Cultural heritage of significant cemeteries therefore does not reflect only in impressive monuments or mausoleums, but as much in their planned and peaceful horticultural landscape architecture. It is part of historical evidence on how European citizens feel and act about nature.

In 2024 the Association of Significant Cemeteries of Europe decided to use this cultural heritage asset and impact the future of Europe. Inviting its members to organise events during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries which will influence visitors to consider their impact on the city sustainability. Expose good practices that everyone can consider in their daily life within the cemetery or outside.

Aligning our annual activities with the United Nations goal 11 from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

22 members from 7 European countries followed by organising over 30 events related to sustainability. From guided tours to exhibitions dedicated to promoting and learning about sustainable development. 2 countries reacted by organising larger scale national calls to incorporate related activities into cemeteries.

Examples of good practice

In Slovenia a cooperation with the Chamber of Public Utilities of Slovenia (ZKGS) was initiated by the ASCE preceding member Maribor. A national initiative was assembled featuring various year-round activities focused on environmental sustainability. A key component of this initiative was the invitation to cemetery managers to plant sample graves with drought-resistant plants at their cemeteries. This activity in particular resulted in an enlarged impact as besides Maribor and Ljubljana, various cemeteries which are not members of the ASCE network joined. Town of Velenje even incorporated the initiative in Podkraj cemetery arrangements in the project Entente Florale Europe - competing for the most beautifully arranged town of Europe.

Italian association SEFIT produced a 56-page booklet highlighting the cemeteries' commitment to environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change. The booklet featured a rich program of cultural events and guided tours at cemeteries in the cities of Ferrara, Rome, Verona, Genoa, Milan, Mantua, Turin, Bologna, Trento, Bolzano, Modena, Treviso, and Venice.

In Vienna, a rich program prolonged all over summer adding activities like workshops on gardening, wildlife photography, bee-friendly initiatives and other aspects. At Eastern Cemetery in Oslo various water saving and other projects were presented including innovative gravestones which collect rainwater. Cementiris de Barcelona has organised an exhibition installed at the Montjuïc Cemetery, which presents the initiatives they have undertaken to mitigate these negative effects and the measures adopted to reduce environmental impact. All visitors and schools participating in cultural visits and educational activities at the Montjuïc Cemetery have attended this exhibition. The Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center organised educational tours including long days in the cemeteries and rainwater management. KD Kozala in Rijeka prepared a dedicated mobile guide for discovering plants at the cemeteries and organised a guided tour for the visitors. In Karlovac a cultural day for students from the high school of forestry and woodworking was organised emphasising the importance of natural preservation and work with plants in the cemetery. In Avigliana the plans for installing a fully sustainable solar lighting system along tilia-tree (Tilia Vulgaris) lined walkway was presented as well as the project of transforming the dried cypress into a wooden art.

Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe

Overall in 2024 ASCE has accomplished to initiate and develop a project which marks an entire new chapter of our work and dedication. Reaching thousands of people across Europe and raising awareness of cultural and natural heritage resting in cemeteries is only a beginning. 

Within the new ASCE initiative "Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe", we will continue to strive in reaching more visitors with important messages from the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Program for 2025 is already prepared and will ensure further ideas and activities supporting this important agenda are aligned with the mission of ASCE: To promote European cemeteries as a fundamental part of the heritage of humanity.

ASCE Conference 2024: Final program

Detailed program of this year's Conference with an overview of the speakers and their presentations.

After months of planning and careful organization, we are excited to present the finalized program of this year's ASCE Conference, which will take place on 20th September in the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest (1088 Budapest, Múzeum körút 14-16), as part of the AGM 2024.

Explore the detailed event program, including an overview of the speakers and their insightful presentations, which in different ways address this year's official conference theme - "Cemeteries as Cultural Spaces of European Remembrance".

You can download the program in pdf format at the following link.

Conference program 2024

*Photo source: https://fiumeiutisirkert.nori.gov.hu/galeria

1st International Conference on Universities and Cultural Routes

The European Institute of Cultural Routes invites you to participate in the 1st International Conference on Universities and Cultural Routes, taking place this November in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

About the Conference

The European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR - Technical agency of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme) and the Compostela Group of Universities (member of the University Network for Cultural Studies) is pleased to announce the organisation of the 1st International Conference on Universities and Cultural Routes, taking place from 13th to 14th November 2024 at the University of Santiago de Compostela, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Following two successful editions of the Cultural Routes Academic Workshops held online in 2021 and 2023, this event is intended to highlight existing research and academic activities in the field of Cultural Routes.

Call for papers

The academic conference welcomes papers relating to all aspects of Cultural Routes. Participants interested in presenting a contribution at the conference can submit their abstracts to evaluation@culture-routes.lu under the subject “Call for abstracts 2024_Cultural Routes” by Friday 27th September. 

As the European Cemeteries Route has been a certified Cultural Route of the Council of Europe since 2010, the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE) would like to encourage our representatives to attend the conference with some interesting presentation topics.

The call for papers containing further details and instructions is available HERE.
An abstract template can be found HERE.

Importnat information

The travel to/from Santiago de Compostela and accommodation costs are not covered by the organisers and must be borne by each participant. Registration fees will not be requested, and meals and extra activities will be offered by the organisers as indicated in the draft programme.

The International Conference working sessions will be held in English.

A preliminary programme, registration details, travel and accommodation options, as well as cultural activities information are available HERE. Invitation letters and updated practical information will be sent out during the first weeks of September.

For any additional information, please contact evaluation@culture-routes.lu.