The Kalavryta Cemetery (Kalavryta, Greece)

The Kalavryta Cemetery, also known as the Holocaust Cemetery, is a historic site of remembrance that bears witness to the 1943 massacre and stands as a lasting symbol of the town’s resilience and collective memory.

About the cemetery

The cemetery of Kalavryta, also known as the Holocaust Cemetery, was established in early 1845 on a plot of land granted by Royal Decree, following a request by the Municipality of Kalavryta. The decree was issued by the Ministries of the Interior and Finance of the newly founded Greek State. The land, previously owned by Ottoman landowners Bousgkalis and Giakoubagas Tsilardiotis, was classified as Ethniki Gi (National Land). At that time, the area lay just below the town's central square and was largely undeveloped following the Greek War of Independence (1821).

Among the first structures to be built were the Church of All Saints (Agioi Pantes), the stone paving around it, and the cemetery’s enclosing wall. The church, constructed before 1900, later served as a vital spiritual refuge for the surviving residents of Kalavryta after the town’s destruction during World War II.

A site of remembrance

The cemetery holds a special place in the modern history of the town. Located at the northeastern edge of Kalavryta, near the hill known today as the Execution Site, it is the final resting place of those executed by German occupying forces during the massacre of December 13, 1943. It was here that widows and orphaned children dragged the bodies of their loved ones and buried them with their own hands.

Since then, the cemetery has become a sacred place of remembrance, prayer, reflection, and spiritual elevation. Every year, on the eve of December 13th, residents gather at the cemetery to clean the graves and light vigil lamps. In silence and togetherness, they honor those lost and reaffirm the invisible bonds forged through tragedy.

Part of local life and identity

More than a burial ground, Kalavryta Cemetery is an essential part of local life and identity. It functions as a space for gathering, memory, and solidarity, playing a significant role in how the community continues to process collective trauma. Visitors are often seen tending to graves—not only of their relatives, but also of neighbors and friends—passing on these traditions of remembrance to younger generations. A notable example of the cemetery’s centrality in community life is the construction of the town’s secondary schools (Gymnasium and Lyceum) directly adjacent to it, further binding memory and everyday life.

Cemetery address

14 December 13 Str
25001 Kalavryta
Greece

Website

www.dmko.gr

Basic data

Date of first burial: 1846
Cemetery area: 1ha
Approximate number of graves: 700

*Main photo source: https://www.dmko.gr/de/node/15833

The Cemetery of Raisio (Raisio, Finland)

Nestled around a 16th-century church, Raisio Cemetery is a harmonious space where nature, history, and remembrance meet.

About the cemetery

The current church of Raisio was built at the beginning of the 16th century. For the first 300 years, the deceased were buried beneath the church floor, as was common practice at the time. When this became illegal in Finland, burials were moved to the surrounding churchyard.

From the 1950s onward, Raisio grew rapidly, from a population of around 1.500 to more than 25.000 residents. As the town expanded, so did the cemetery. By the 1980s and 1990s, it became clear that space was running out, and without doing something there wouldn't be enough space to bury the deceased. As a result, the parish began actively promoting cremation over traditional coffin burials. This shift led to the creation of The Rocks of Eternal Peace and The Chapel of Brightness - a unique and beautifully designed area of the cemetery dedicated to urn burials and the scattering of ashes. 

The most significant expansions of the cemetery were carried out between 1992 and 2010, based on the designs of Finnish architect Bey Heng (1925–2019), known nationally for his work on several cemeteries. His thoughtful design ensures that the cemetery blends harmoniously with the landscape. In some parts, the site appears as though the earth and sky merge into one, creating a meditative, almost spiritual atmosphere. Remnants of the 1800s cemetery layout can still be seen around the church, preserving the historical essence of the site. And, as with the legend of the two German giants—Killi and Nalli—who are said to have built the church, this evolving cemetery is now part of local lore. 

Among the main attractions for visitors is The Chapel of Brightness and its surrounding area, especially stunning from May to October. The cemetery also stands out for its serene beauty and variety of graves but also for its ecological consciousness, and inclusive philosophy. An example of this ecological thinking is the composting area, where plant waste is turned into new soil for flower beds and plantings. 

Architect Bey Heng once said, "The cemetery is for the living". This statement remains the guiding principle in how the Raisio Cemetery is preserved and developed—a living place of memory, reflection, and natural beauty.

Cemetery address

Kirkkotie 2
21200 Raisio
Finland

Cemetery contacts

Website
Instagram

Basic data

Date of first burial: 1831
Cemetery area: 5ha
Approximate number of graves: 5572

*Photo source: www.raisionseurakunta.fi/hautausmaa

Monumental Cemetery of Jesi (Jesi, Italy)

As one of the earliest cemeteries in the Vallesina area, Jesi Cemetery is not only a place of rest but also a testament to centuries of architectural, social, and cultural evolution.

Cemetery history

The history of Jesi Cemetery dates back to the late 18th century, even before Napoleon’s Edict of Saint-Cloud in 1804, which mandated burials outside city walls. As early as 1798, concerns were raised about the practice of burying the dead in churches, prompting plans to build a cemetery outside the town. A small clearing near the convent of the Reformed Friars Minor, known as the Selva degli Zoccolanti, was chosen as the site. Construction began in 1799 but was soon interrupted by various challenges.

Following the 1804 edict, the idea of an out-of-town cemetery regained momentum, and work resumed in 1813 amid many difficulties. The cemetery was then consecrated and opened in 1817. Church burials continued despite a police ban. A church adjacent to the cemetery, designed by architect Giovanni Grilli, was completed in 1818. Subsequent expansions were driven by the need to bury victims of recurring cholera epidemics.

Cemetery design

Over the decades, the original early 19th-century project was reworked several times, involving a series of architects. Notable among them were Giovanni Grilli and Ciriaco Santini, both of whom also left a mark on other parts of the town. In the 20th century, the most significant development occurred in 1984, when architect Leonardo Ricci, in collaboration with Silvano Rossini and Franco Luminari, won a national competition to extend the cemetery. Their vision included a square plan with a variety of burial types along the perimeter, a central grassy area, and a chapel connected by pathways, including elevated walkways.

The most striking feature of the modern extension is the concrete pyramid located at the highest point of the site. A prominent landmark, it offers sweeping views of Jesi and serves as a bold example of Brutalist architecture—one of the most notable in the Marche region.

Another important addition was the Famedio, constructed between 1924 and 1927 and inaugurated in 1928. This monument houses the remains of distinguished citizens and war heroes, commemorating those who fell in both World Wars and other martyrs of freedom.

Cemetery points of interest

Jesi Cemetery holds cultural and historical significance for both locals and visitors. Among the notable individuals buried here are Valeria Moriconi, a celebrated theatre actress; Corrado Olmi, an actor and set designer; and Edmondo Marcucci, a leading figure in Italian pacifism and co-founder of the Perugia–Assisi peace march.

The cemetery also reflects the social fabric of Jesi, with elaborate tombs of noble and industrial families symbolizing their heritage and legacy. The Colocci-Vespucci family tomb, which includes descendants of the famous navigator Amerigo Vespucci, is another point of interest, especially for international visitors.

As one of the earliest cemeteries in the Vallesina area, Jesi Cemetery is not only a place of rest but also a testament to centuries of architectural, social, and cultural evolution.

Cemetery address

Via Santa Lucia, 1
60035 Jesi
Italy

Cemetery website

https://www.comune.jesi.an.it/w/cimitero-di-jesi

Basic data

Cemetery area: 5ha
Approximate number of graves: 32635
Approximate number of total yearly burials: 526

V International Baku – Bayirshahar Symposium: Call for Papers

ASCE is pleased to share the Call for Papers for the V International Baku–Bayirshahar Symposium, which will take place on July 30–31, 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

About the event

The V International Baku – Bayirshahar Symposium will take place on July 30–31, 2025, at the historic Zargarpalan Hammam in Bayirshahar, Baku (Azerbaijan).

Organised under the theme "Historical Sites and Monuments", the symposium invites scholars, researchers, heritage professionals, and students to contribute to the interdisciplinary exploration of archaeological and cultural heritage themes with a particular focus on Azerbaijan and its broader historical and cultural context. The symposium will accept papers and presentations under the following thematic directions:

• Azerbaijani Archaeology in the Years of Independence
• Cultural Heritage Protection and Issues in Post-War Karabakh
• Material Culture: Regional and Global Connections, Comparative Approaches
• Archaeology and the Environment
• Historical Sites and Cultural Heritage Monuments of Azerbaijan
• Preservation and Restoration Problems of Monuments
• World Heritage: Recognition, Protection, and Presentation
• Public Presentation and Education of Cultural Heritage
• Archaeology of the Islamic Period
• Archaeological Research on Architectural Monuments
• Archaeology of Bayırshahar, Baku
• The Scientific Legacy of Archaeologist Vali Aliyev
• The Impact of Local Lifestyles on Cultural Heritage
• History and Cultural Monuments in Written Sources
• Archaeological Tourism

Types of presentations

In-person presentations delivered live at the venue

Pre-recorded presentations (15-minute slide presentations with English subtitles, if not in English), which will be streamed and discussed via Zoom.

Participants may also submit a poster presentation, which will be featured on the official Instagram page of Miras MİOK. Each poster should include up to 10 visuals (such as images, diagrams, or maps), a maximum of 2,200 characters of text, and up to 30 relevant hashtags.

Submission details

Deadline: June 30, 2025

Submit to: miraspresscenter@gmail.com

Required information:

• Title and abstract (max. 150 words)
• Full name
• Academic degree and affiliation (or education level for students)
• Type of participation (In-person, Online, or Poster)
• 3–5 keywords

Proposals for full sessions (with multiple speakers) are also welcome and should include the session title, abstract, and list of proposed speakers.

For more information, please contact Dr. Fariz Xəlilli at +994 50 876 40 43 or miraspresscenter@gmail.com.

Download the full Call for Papers HERE.

Events at Kensal Green Cemetery 2025

This summer, the Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery invite you to take part in two interesting events at Kensal Green Cemetery in London, United Kingdom.

Brown’s Hotel and Luxury Living Stories at Kensal Green Cemetery

Saturday, 21st June 2025, at 10:30

• 10:30 | Arrivals at the Dissenters Chapel for welcome drinks
• 11:00 – 12:00 | Talk "Brown’s Hotel: London’s oldest luxury hotel – a secret history of rulers, writers and rascals" | Andy Williamson will take us on a walk visiting the final resting place of James Brown and his family, other famous hoteliers and fascinating personalities, who ended up in Kensal Green Cemetery. Learn the connection of Lady Byron with the Brown’s Hotel and many other fascinating stories.
• 12:00 – 13:00 | Buffet Lunch
• 13:00 – 14:30 | Guided tour "Luxury living and fine dining: Hotelkeepers at Kensal Green" | Join Andy Williamson on a walking tour of the cemetery to discover the final resting places of hoteliers, aristocrats, and influential characters of London's high society – including James Brown, founder of Brown’s Hotel. Learn about their extraordinary lives and connections to the world of luxury hospitality. After the tour there will be time for questions and hot drinks.

Tickets:

• General: £25.00
• Concessions: £20.00
• Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery members: £8.00

More information and booking: https://kensalgreen.co.uk/booking.php

Joseph Locke and others - a Tour of Kensal Green Cemetery

Saturday, 9th August 2025, at 14:00

Guided walk at Kensal Green Cemetery, telling the stories of railway engineers and promoters buried here on the 220th anniversary of Joseph Locke's birth.

Tickets:

• General: £12.00
• Concessions: £10.00
• Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery members: Free (booking essential)

More information and booking: https://kensalgreen.co.uk/events.php
Note: Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery members, please book via the members area of the website: https://kensalgreen.co.uk/member-area/

*Photo source: www.kensalgreen.co.uk

WDEC 2025 in Slovenia

As part of the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2025, Slovenian cemeteries showcased sustainable practices that turn memorial spaces into living gardens of peace and reflection.

About the initiative

In cooperation between the Chamber of Public Utilities of Slovenia (ZKGS) and the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), various cemeteries in Slovenia have responded to the invitation to participate in this year's Week of Discovering European Cemeteries, which was held under the common theme "Gardens of 80", commemorating 80 years of peace since the end of World War II and contributing to the goal 16 of the UN 2030 agenda.

The following section summarizes selected activities organized by participating cities across the country.

Maribor

As part of WDEC 2025, the company Pogrebno podjetje Maribor, presiding member of ASCE, organized a series of events at Pobrežje Cemetery in Maribor. The program featured a flower bed exhibition with 80 sustainable plants symbolizing decades of peace, as well as a display of eight sustainably arranged model graves at the cemetery entrance, also part of the European initiative Meetings in the Gardens 2025.

A special cultural event with renowned writer, playwright, and storyteller Tone Partljič highlighted cemeteries as places of stories and memory. His engaging lecture and guided tour of Pobrežje Cemetery offered a unique perspective on history, heritage, and remembrance. Furthermore, schoolchildren explored history in an interactive way through a guided educational day.

Ljubljana

The company ŽALE Javno podjetje, d. o. o. prepared two model grave plantings at Žale Cemetery in Ljubljana, using drought-resistant plants that require less maintenance and water. In addition, one grave was specially designed in line with this year’s theme, Gardens of 80.

These installations reflect ŽALE’s commitment to sustainable cemetery management and the promotion of environmentally responsible practices. Through such efforts, ŽALE contributes to raising awareness of the ecological potential of cemeteries and their role in supporting peace, remembrance, and cultural heritage.

Domžale, Mengeš, Moravče

The company JKP-Prodnik carried out model grave plantings at the cemeteries in Domžale, Mengeš, and Moravče, using resilient perennials such as bergenia, rose, and heuchera. These plantings not only enhanced the visual appeal of the cemeteries but also supported water conservation and easier maintenance, serving as an example of good practice in sustainable cemetery management.

In addition, they emphasized that cemeteries are not only places of mourning and remembrance, but also play an important role in preserving cultural heritage. With thoughtful landscaping and green design, cemeteries can become attractive public spaces for visitors while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Tržič

In Tržič, the company Podjetje Komunala Tržič d.o.o. undertook a comprehensive redesign of the ash scattering area at Kovor Cemetery. Aging cypress trees were replaced with 40 evergreens chosen for their disease resistance and neat appearance. Additionally, 20 roses were planted to provide continuous bloom and rich forage for bees throughout the season without the need for chemical treatment.

The existing grassy surface was replaced with turf, and an automated irrigation system was installed in the cemetery park area.  All these measures contribute not only to the visual appeal of the cemetery but will also improve the ability to preserve greenery in the cemetery in a more controlled, efficient, and sustainable way.

Murska Sobota

At Murska Sobota Cemetery, the company Komunala, javno podjetje, d.o.o. Murska Sobota planted nine trees to green the area, provide shade, and support a more sustainable and welcoming environment. Species such as hornbeam, ginkgo, and Japanese cherry were carefully chosen for their resilience, with mulching and watering basins installed to aid their growth.

Additionally, a historic grave dating back to 1921 was restored using resilient, sun-tolerant plants already on site. These plants were carefully cleaned, trimmed, and preserved, while the surrounding surface was covered with a layer of fine mulch to help retain moisture. This low-maintenance planting promotes biodiversity, providing a welcoming refuge for small animals, insects, and other wildlife.

Idrija

At Idrija Cemetery, the company Javno podjetje Komunala Idrija d.o.o. carried out the replanting of six graves of soldiers who fell during World War II. These graves are located along the pedestrian path leading to the cemetery entrance, making them a visible and respectful reminder of the area's wartime history.

The graves were replanted with drought-resistant perennials, and the thoughtful landscaping contributes not only to the visual dignity of the site but also to its role as a place of remembrance and local heritage.

Kranj

At the city cemetery in Kranj, the company Komunala Kranj d.o.o. created a model grave planting using low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants such as Campanula carpatica, Scaevola, and Dorotheanthus. The image below shows the condition of the grave before and after the redesign.

With this pilot project, the company aims to demonstrate how small, thoughtful choices in grave design can contribute to a more sustainable cemetery environment and to inspire visitors and families to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. 

AGM 2025: Sign up and Program

Registration is now open for the Annual General Meeting and Conference 2025. Check out the draft program!

Basic information

The AGM and Conference 2025 will be held from 4 to 6 September in Dresden, Germany, at multiple locations, with the main conference venue being the Kulturrathaus Dresden (Königstrasse 15, 01097 Dresden).

The gala dinner will be held at Eventlocation Kasematte by Convea Dresden (Hasenberg 1, 01067 Dresden), with the entrance to the vaulted casemates located at Am Hasenberg, opposite the New Synagogue.  

Participation in the cultural program on Thursday, 4 September, is optional and includes a boat trip departing from Sächsische Dampfschifffahrt (Terrassenufer 1, 01067 Dresden), as well as an excursion to the Heidefriedhof cemetery (Moritzburger Landstraße 299, 01127 Dresden), and dinner at Biergarten ElbeGarten (Friedrich-Wieck-Straße 18, 01326 Dresden).

REGISTRATION DEADLINE for Boat trip & Künstlerfriedhof Loschwitz: 31.07.2025

The organizer of the event is “Women in Remembrance Culture (WIRC)”, from Dresden. For any questions or additional information please contact Valérie Madoka Naito at naito@wirc.network.

Conference theme

This year’s ASCE Annual Conference, themed "Future through Remembrance", invites participants to explore innovative ways of communicating cemetery heritage, especially in the context of WWII remembrance. The program will focus on storytelling, digital tools, partnerships, and strategies to bring cemetery stories to life and ensure they reach and resonate with wider audiences.

More about the conference theme at this LINK.

How to register for the event

Registration for the AGM and Conference 2025 is possible only by using the following sign up form. If you wish to register more than one person, the form must be completed for each person separately. In order to ensure the smooth running of the event, the number of participants is limited.

Sign up deadline: 15 August 2025

➤ SIGN UP FORM

Details on fees and payment

To participate in the AGM and Conference, it is necessary to pay a registration fee. After completing the sign-up, each registered participant will receive a confirmation email and a separate email with payment instructions for the registration fee.

Estimated price list:

• Students - free (with a valid student ID card)
• ASCE members - 40€/person
• All others - 80€/person

The registration fee will be valid for the entire 2-day event program (Friday and Saturday), including the participation at the Conference, snacks and coffee breaks, gala dinner, and the excursion to the Cemetery Heidefriedhof.

The registration fee does not include the optional cultural program on Thursday (boat trip,  Künstlerfriedhof Loschwitz visit and dinner at  ElbeGarten beer garden).

AGM and Conference program

Program presented is a draft version and may be subject to changes or additions. Please consult our website regularly for the latest information.

You can view the details of individual parts of the program by clicking on the part that interests you.

You can click on this link (iCal) to add the program to your personal calendar.

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WDEC 2025 in Istanbul

The Feriköy Protestant Cemetery, Istanbul’s main international burial ground, celebrated WDEC 2025 on May 28 with a guided tour, speeches, and the planting of a “peace tree.”

About the Event

To mark WDEC 2025 and highlight the spirit of international understanding and unity that has characterized the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery since its founding in 1859, an olive tree (a symbol of peace since ancient times) was planted in front of the chapel on May 28, 2025. Embodying the motto of ASCE’s Peace Tree Project, “Live in peace to rest in peace,” the tree is now a permanent reminder for cemetery visitors of the need for empathy and accord to counter aggression and foster just, harmonious societies that bind humanity rather than divide it. This was the first time the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery participated in WDEC, and the tree planting made it especially meaningful and memorable.

The event began with a guided tour of the cemetery lead by Feriköy Protestant Cemetery Initiative members Fokke Gerritsen (Netherlands Institute in Turkey) and Brian Johnson (American Research Institute in Turkey). Speeches by Consul General of The Netherlands Arjen Uijterlinde and President of the Governing Board of the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery Sebastiaan Kuipers followed, after which the tree was ceremoniously planted. A dedication plaque will be added later. The celebration concluded with a refreshments for the roughly forty guests, including members of the foreign diplomatic corps and cemetery friends and supporters.

Brian Johnson describes the gravestones of Monument Row, some of the oldest in the cemetery, which date from the early 1600s to the mid 1800s

Fokke Gerritsen speaks about some of the prominent people commemorated on the Dutch Memorial, whose names testify to the historic presence of the Netherlands in the Ottoman Empire from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries

2025 Governing Board President Sebastiaan Kuipers officially dedicates the Peace Tree (left)

Consul General of The Netherlands Arjen Uijterlinde addresses the audience by the Peace Tree

2024 Governing Board President Marc Seemann (Vice-Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany) shovels the first soil on the Peace Tree

The Feriköy Protestant Cemetery Peace Tree

About the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery

Founded in 1859, the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery is the principal burial place for Istanbul’s foreign Protestant and otherwise non-Catholic or Orthodox dead. It is managed by a governing board comprised of the consulates-general of Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, Switzerland, and the USA. The board is assisted in its administrative task by the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery Initiative, a scholarly working group affiliated with six Turkey-based international research centers, including the American Research Institute in Turkey, the Netherlands Institute in Turkey, the Orient-Institut Istanbul, the Hungarian Cultural Center, the Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul, and the British Institute at Ankara.

Additional information

Further details about the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery and its history and administration can be found on its ASCE webpage and on the website of the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery Initiative. Inquiries about the Initiative and its projects can be sent to info@ferikoycemetery.org.