Cemetery of the Souliotes (Souli Village, Paramythia, Greece)

A solemn memorial site honoring the Souliotes’ resistance and sacrifice against Ottoman rule, symbolizing freedom, dignity, and resilience.

About the Cemetery

The Cemetery of the Souliotes is a historic memorial site in the mountainous region of Souli, closely linked to one of the most heroic communities of pre-revolutionary Greece. The Souliotes were a fiercely independent Greek population who resisted Ottoman rule throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Their struggle culminated in conflicts with the forces of Ali Pasha of Ioannina, who sought to subdue the autonomous region.

After the fall of Souli in 1803, many Souliotes were killed in battle or through collective acts of sacrifice, while others were forced into exile. The cemetery stands as a solemn testimony to these events, preserving the memory of those who fought for freedom and dignity.

Beyond its local importance, it forms part of the broader historical narrative that led to the Greek War of Independence. Today, it serves not only as a place of remembrance but also as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and freedom in Greek and European history.

Cemetery Significance

The historic settlements of Souli, including Samoniva, Kiafa, and Avariko, are officially designated archaeological and historical sites by the Greek State. They are protected by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, which is responsible for their preservation, restoration, and ongoing archaeological research.

The broader region is recognized as a landscape of historical memory, closely associated with the Souliotes’ resistance and key events that contributed to the outbreak of the Greek War of Independence. Today, Souli holds an important place within Greece’s national heritage and is increasingly integrated into cultural and historical routes.

The cemetery itself preserves the remains of fighters and their families who resisted Ottoman rule. Over time, their legacy has come to symbolize collective heroism and sacrifice. As such, the site is regarded as one of major historical importance at both national and European levels, standing as a powerful symbol of resistance, freedom, and dignity.

Heritage and Landmarks of Souli

The Souli plateau in Epirus is a striking destination that combines rugged natural beauty with profound historical significance. Visitors come to explore key landmarks such as the Cemetery of the Souliotes, the ruins of Kiafa and Koughi, the Acheron Gorge, and the scenic Skala Tzavelena hiking route. The area is especially popular for hiking and historical tourism.

Souli is strongly associated with the resistance of the Souliotes against Ottoman rule and their conflicts with Ali Pasha of Ioannina. Notable sites include the Koughi Monastery, where Father Samuel carried out a legendary act of self-sacrifice in 1803, and Mount Zalongo, where the Dance of Zalongo became a powerful symbol of freedom and resistance.

Today, Souli is a protected and preserved settlement and an important cultural heritage site. Each year, particularly at the end of May during the Souli commemorative events, visitors from Greece and abroad gather to attend reenactments, cultural performances, and memorial ceremonies honoring the Souliotes’ legacy of courage, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom.

Cemetery address

Souli Village
46200 Paramythia Thesprotias
Greece

Basic data

Year of first burial: 1700
Year of last burial: 1803
Cemetery area: 1ha
Approximate number of graves: 150

Additional information

Website: www.yoursoulicom.wordpress.com
Brochure: HERE

V Meeting of Managers of Cultural Itineraries of the Council of Europe

The event took place from March 23 to 25, 2026, in Paraje de la Rábida, Huelva, Spain.

About the event

Miquel Trepat, general director of Cementiris de Barcelona, participated in the V Meeting of Managers of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held from March 23 to 25, 2026, in Huelva, Spain, where he also represented the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe and the European Cemeteries Route.

The discussions focused on research, knowledge networks, scientific committees, and the exchange of information between cultural itineraries, with the aim of promoting a shared approach to European cultural heritage. Mr. Trepat highlighted that the European Cemeteries Route exemplifies the potential of cultural itineraries as knowledge infrastructures, with the capacity to integrate multidisciplinary research, specialized training, and social participation – essential elements for their sustainability and legitimacy in the European context.

The workshop was also attended by Rui Gomes, director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes.

Old Cemetery in Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten (Hoppegarten, Germany)

A late 19th-century cemetery near Berlin showcasing the lives and legacies of prominent figures from the world of horse racing.

Cemetery History

The Old Cemetery is located in the district of Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten, just a few kilometers from Berlin. Today, Hoppegarten is best known for its horse racing track, which opened in 1868 and brought profound change to the village. It transformed from a rural settlement into a cosmopolitan center with an international population accustomed to a different lifestyle.

New streets and large houses with extensive stables and training facilities were built, and jockeys and trainers from England, Scotland, Austria, France, and other countries made Hoppegarten their home. Due to rapid population growth, the small cemetery by the village church soon became insufficient. In 1884, a new burial ground was established, now known as the “Old Cemetery,” which opened in 1892 with its first burial.

The cemetery covers around 5,500 square metres. A straight path leads from the entrance to the funeral hall, with family burial plots along both sides, many belonging to notable figures from the world of horse racing. After the Second World War, the cemetery fell into neglect, which helped preserve many graves in their original form. Today, it remains an important testament to the history of horse racing in Europe.

In 2016, the municipality of Hoppegarten acquired the cemetery to ensure its preservation, and in 2025 the first wall tombs were restored.

Architecture and Landscape

When the cemetery was established in the 19th century, it was supported by significant private contributions. Manor owner Heinrich von Treskow provided the land and financed the construction of the funeral hall. The Union Club, owner of the racecourse and organiser of the races, also contributed financially, while trainer George Long donated 40 lime trees.

The funeral hall was built between 1891 and 1892 according to plans by architect August Meißner from Friedrichshagen (Berlin). Limestone from the nearby Rüdersdorf quarries—widely used in Hoppegarten—served as the main building material. The identity of the landscape architect remains unknown.

The Old Cemetery has largely preserved its original layout. Although the once dense rows of lime trees have gradually disappeared and some burial areas are no longer in use, the funeral hall, many graves, and the overall structure remain largely intact. Its design is modest; its uniqueness lies in the exceptional concentration of graves belonging to international figures from the world of horse racing.

Cemetery Significance

The Old Cemetery in Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten is a key witness to the history of horse racing. The opening of the Hoppegarten racecourse in 1868 attracted leading figures from across Europe and transformed the village within a few decades from an agricultural community into an international centre of the sport.

By 1876, around 120–130 horses were stabled in Hoppegarten; by 1900, this number had grown to about 900 during the summer season. By the late 19th century, the town was known as the “German Newmarket.” This transformation is reflected in the cemetery, where jockeys, trainers, and racing personalities from England, France, Austria-Hungary, Scotland, and beyond are buried.

The preserved gravestones show both integration and continuity: some inscriptions are in German, others remain in English, reflecting strong ties to their countries of origin. Today, the cemetery forms an important part of Hoppegarten’s racing heritage, located within walking distance of the active racecourse.

Visitors are drawn to the graves of notable racing figures, and information boards are planned to provide historical context and biographies. Guided tours are also offered by the Kulturverein “Grünes Tor” Hoppegarten e.V.

Cemetery address

Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 1A
D 15366 Hoppegarten
Germany

Contact (Cultural Association "Green Gate" Hoppegarten eV)

Phone: (03342) 4253016
Email: gt-hoppegarten@gmx.de
Website: www.gruenestor.de

Basic data

Year of first burial: 1892
Cemetery area: 0.55ha
Approximate number of graves: 60
Approximate number of total yearly burials: 3

Willesden Jewish Cemetery (London, United Kingdom)

A prestigious Grade II listed Victorian garden cemetery and an active "House of Life" that chronicles over 150 years of Anglo-Jewish history.

About the Cemetery

Established in 1873, Willesden Jewish Cemetery was the first major project of the United Synagogue. Originally developed on former sheep-grazing land to serve London’s growing Jewish population—particularly those of German and Dutch origin—it quickly became the most prestigious Jewish burial ground in the United Kingdom.

For over 150 years, it has remained an active Orthodox cemetery, serving as a dignified final resting place for individuals from all walks of life. From religious leaders and philanthropists to artists and everyday community members, the cemetery serves as a living social record of migration, settlement, and the enduring contribution of the Jewish community to British life.

Architecture and Landscape

Willesden is a rare and exceptional example of a purpose-designed Victorian "garden cemetery." Its layout prioritizes order, tranquility, and dignity through broad avenues, curving paths, and mature trees that create a park-like atmosphere.

The architectural heart of the site features funerary buildings designed by Nathan Solomon Joseph, one of the most influential Anglo-Jewish architects of the 19th century. His work here is unique for its use of ecclesiastical references within a Jewish context. The monuments themselves range from modest headstones to elaborate memorials, featuring Hebrew inscriptions and bilingual epitaphs that document the community’s journey of acculturation and faith.

Cemetery Significance

Formally recognized as a historic park and garden of national importance, Willesden Jewish Cemetery marks a decisive moment in the institutional consolidation of Orthodox Jewish life in Britain. It is a strategic and symbolic landscape that reflects the shift of the Jewish community from the East End to London's northern and western suburbs.

The site’s significance is further enhanced by its high degree of integrity; despite the urban development of the surrounding area, the original Victorian core remains substantially intact. Through the House of Life project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the cemetery has been revitalized as a place where sacred traditions meet modern public engagement, conservation, and education.

Landmark for Local and International Visitors

Willesden Jewish Cemetery attracts a global audience, from international tourists visiting the grave of DNA pioneer Rosalind Franklin to those honoring the four Chief Rabbis interred here. As a premier site of the Jewish diaspora, it offers a profound look at migration and global history through its Grade II listed memorials and war graves.

Locally and nationally, it is cherished as a vibrant community hub where history meets environmental stewardship. Visitors of all backgrounds engage with the site through guided walks, biodiversity projects, and educational programs.

By blending its role as an active Orthodox burial ground with a commitment to being a welcoming "House of Life," the cemetery serves as a unique bridge between sacred tradition, Victorian landscape design, and contemporary public life.

Cemetery address

Willesden Jewish Cemetery (United Synagogue)
Beaconsfield Road
Willesden
London NW10 2JE
United Kingdom

Contacts

Phone: +44 (0)20 8459 6107
Email: heritage@theus.org.uk
Website: www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk

Basic data

Date of first burial: 5.10.1873
Cemetery area: 22ha
Approximate number of graves: 28.500
Approximate number of total yearly burials: 20

27th Cemeteries Colloquium: Programme

The Cemetery Research Group is pleased to share the programme for the 27th Cemeteries Colloquium, which will take place on 8th May 2026 in York, UK.

About the event

On 8th May 2026, the 27th Cemeteries Colloquium will take place as an in-person meeting from 08:45 to 17:15 (GMT) in the Huntingdon Room at the University of York.

The Colloquium, organized by the Cemetery Research Group (CRG), has developed into an essential forum for the discussion of new and emerging cemetery scholarship and is multi-disciplinary, accepting papers from across the humanities and social sciences. The event has a strong emphasis on discussion, and its international and interdisciplinary nature makes the meeting particularly thought-provoking.

Programme and tickets

The organisers are pleased to share the full programme for the event, which can be accessed HERE. In addition to the schedule, the programme includes key information about the colloquium as well as abstracts of the presentations.

Tickets for the event are already available on Eventbrite.
Accommodation is not included in the colloquium fee.

For any additional questions, please contact Dr Julie Rugg at julie.rugg@york.ac.uk.

Note: In addition to the in-person meeting in May, the Cemetery Research Group will also host a second, fully online event in November 2026. Further details will be published in due course.

*Photo source: www.cemeteryresearch.org

Silent Disco at Vienna’s Central Cemetery

Vienna Central Cemetery welcomes visitors to a unique cultural experience in an extraordinary setting on 17 April 2026.

About the event

On 17 April 2026, the Vienna Central Cemetery will host an unconventional cultural event that blends contemporary music with historic surroundings. Visitors will be invited to take part in a silent disco inside the Church of St Borromeo, one of the cemetery’s most remarkable architectural landmarks.

For one evening, the church’s main hall will be transformed into a dance floor while preserving the atmosphere of the space. Music will not be played through speakers; instead, participants will listen through wireless headphones, creating a shared yet quiet experience.

How the silent disco works

The event introduces an innovative format in which two DJs perform simultaneously, each broadcasting on a separate channel. Guests can switch between channels at any time, choosing their preferred style of music throughout the evening. The programme spans a wide range of genres, from electronic and house to hip-hop, pop, indie, and rock, alongside thematic selections inspired by the cemetery setting.

This headphone-based concept ensures that the surrounding environment remains undisturbed, allowing the venue to retain its contemplative character while accommodating a lively social event.

Reimagining the cemetery

The silent disco reflects a broader trend of reinterpreting historic cemeteries as places not only of remembrance, but also of cultural engagement. In recent years, the Vienna Central Cemetery has expanded its role through a variety of initiatives that encourage visitors to experience the site in new ways.

By introducing formats such as the silent disco, the organisers aim to create opportunities for community, dialogue, and cultural participation while maintaining respect for the site’s primary function and significance.

Key details

Date: Friday, 17 April 2026
Time: 8.00 pm – 2.00 am
Venue: St Borromeo Cemetery Church, Vienna Central Cemetery | Main entrance Gate 2, Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234, 1110 Vienna

Tickets are available at: www.silentdisco.at/events-tickets
Further information: www.friedhoefewien.at/silent-disco

AGM 2026: Sign up

It's time to sign up for the Annual General Meeting and Conference 2026, taking place from 18 to 20 June in Turin, Italy.

About the AGM and Conference 2026

The AGM and Conference 2026 will be held from 18 to 20 June in Turin, Italy, at multiple locations, featuring captivating presentations, interactive workshops, cultural insights, and numerous networking opportunities.

You can find the entire programme HERE.

The event is beeing organised by AFC Torino S.p.A. in collaboration with University of Turin (UNITO) and Polytechnic University of Turin (POLITO).

Conference theme

This year’s Conference, themed "Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage", explores how cemeteries can serve as dynamic educational heritage sites, prompting reflection on how we preserve, interpret, and pass on knowledge across generations.

Details about the conference theme are available at this LINK.

How to register for the event

Applications for the AGM and Conference 2026 are now open. You can sign up by using the following sign up form.

➤ SIGN UP FORM

Application deadline: 15. 5. 2026

If you wish to register more than one person, the form must be completed for each person separately.

Note that some event activities have limited capacity, so we recommend registering for your preferred sessions as soon as possible. Once the spots are filled, additional registrations will no longer be possible.

For any questions, please contact Mrs. Renata Santoro at renata.santoro@cimiteritorino.it.

2nd Conference of the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies: Call for papers

The European Institute of Cultural Routes invites you to the 2nd Conference of the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies, held on 12 and 13 November 2026 in Lugano, Switzerland.

About the event

The Secretariat of the European Institute of Cultural Routes and the UNESCO Chair in ICT to develop and promote sustainable tourism in World Heritage Sites of USI – Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano (Switzerland) are pleased to launch the call for papers of the 2nd International Conference of the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies.

The conference will take place at the Università della Svizzera italiana in Lugano (Switzerland) from 12 to 13 November, 2026.

Building on the first edition, it aims at:

• highlighting and discussing research and academic activities related to cultural routes;
• strengthening the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies, providing a foundation for collective action;
• fostering collaboration between academics and practitioners, shaping future research agendas and offering scientific advice to the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Programme;
• disseminating scientific knowledge about the cultural routes and their role in promoting an European identity.

Call for papers

Anyone interested in participating is invited to submit a paper proposal via the EasyChair platform no later than 19 April 2026. Proposals must be written in English and should not exceed 500 words.

When submitting, please indicate your paper category:

• Ongoing research/published papers (conference presentation only).
• Original research (eligible for the forthcoming edited handbook).

Accepted authors are expected to present in person in Lugano. Inclusion in the handbook is contingent upon the timely submission of requested revisions.

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.

Further information

For full details on themes, submission guidelines, and important dates, please consult the official Call for Papers available HERE.

For any additional questions contact the Conference Chairs:

• Silvia De Ascaniis (silvia.de.ascaniis@usi.ch) or
• Lorenzo Cantoni (lorenzo.cantoni@usi.ch).

AGM 2026: Programme and accommodation

The draft programme and accommodation suggestions for the Annual General Meeting and Conference 2026, taking place from 18 to 20 June in Turin, Italy.

Basic information

The AGM and Conference 2026 will be held from 18 to 20 June in Turin, Italy, at multiple locations shown on the map above.

The Conference is themed "Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage" and will explore how cemeteries can function as vital heritage sites for education, inviting reflection on how we preserve, interpret, and transmit knowledge across generations. More details can be found HERE.

The event is beeing organised by AFC Torino S.p.A. in collaboration with University of Turin (UNITO) and Polytechnic University of Turin (POLITO).

Accommodation suggestions

Participants are responsible for their own accommodation arrangements. At the following links, you can find some recommended hotels near the event venues. Direct reservations can also be made through these links.

➤ Accommodation details and booking (English)
➤ Accommodation details and booking (Italian)

Please note that it is not necessary to book a room at one of the listed hotels. You may also use booking apps to find alternative accommodations that better suit your needs.

AGM and Conference programme

The programme 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 programme by clicking on the part that interests you.

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

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Invitation to the 3rd European Symposium on Drugs and Colors

The Aromas Itinerarium Salutis Association – The European Route of Historic Pharmacies and Medicinal Gardens invites you to the 3rd European Symposium on Drugs and Colors, to be held from 11 to 14 November 2026 in Palermo, Italy.

About the event

The Aromas Itinerarium Salutis Association – The European Route of Historic Pharmacies and Medicinal Gardens (Cultural Route of the Council of Europe), together with Università degli Studi di Palermo and Fondazione Sicilia, introduces the third edition of the European Symposium Drugs & Colors, which explores the cultural legacy of materia medica through history, art, ritual, and symbolic practices.

Conceived as an interdisciplinary forum, the symposium brings together researchers, heritage professionals, and representatives of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe to reflect on the history of medicine as a form of intangible cultural heritage and its many expressions across Europe.

Participation is particularly significant for members of ASCE and the European Cemeteries Route, as it highlights how the history of medicine can serve as a point of convergence and connection.

Call for papers

We invite scholars, researchers, and professionals to submit proposals related to the three thematic sessions of the symposium:

• Materia medica through the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: a thousand-year-old mosaic of paths, traditions, and voices;
• Mapping Hygeia’s heritage sites in Europe: ancient pharmacies, medicinal gardens, archaeological excavations, museums, and university collections;
• Materia medica in the arts and ritual: colors, spices, fragrances, and living practices.

In particular, contributions from ASCE members and the European Cemeteries Route are warmly encouraged. Topics of special interest include the role of color in cemeteries, funerary art, and funeral rites in different European traditions, as well as their connections to medicinal, symbolic, and ritual practices.

Important dates and additional information

• March 31, 2026 – Deadline for abstract submission
• April 30, 2026 – Abstract evaluation deadline
• May 4, 2026 – Notification of abstract acceptance
• July 15, 2026 – First deadline for full text submission (for publication)
• July 31, 2026 – Second deadline for full text submission

For complete details on the call for papers, topics, preliminary program, registration fees, and additional information, please visit the Drugs & Colors 2026 Official Website.

The registration and abstract submission form is available HERE.

27th Cemeteries Colloquium: Call for papers

The Cemetery Research Group invites you to participate in the 27th Cemeteries Colloquium, taking place on 8th May 2026 in York, UK.

About the event

On 8th May 2026, the 27th Cemeteries Colloquium will take place as a live meeting at the University of York, United Kingdom.

The Colloquium, organized by the Cemetery Research Group (CRG), has developed into an essential forum for the discussion of new and emerging cemetery scholarship and is multi-disciplinary, accepting papers from across all the humanities and social sciences. The event has an emphasis on discussion, and its international and interdisciplinary nature makes the meeting particularly thought-provoking.

Call for papers

Each paper will be given a 30-minute timeslot. Those interested in presenting are invited to submit an abstract of no more than 250 words via the submission form on the Cemetery Research Group website, available HERE.

The deadline for abstract submission is 27th March 2026.

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

*Photo source: www.cemeteryresearch.org

ASCE Conference 2026: Call for papers

The theme of the ASCE Conference 2026 is "Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage".

Conference dates and venue

The next ASCE’s annual Conference will be held earlier than usual, this time on 18 and 19 June 2026 in Turin, Italy.

The conference will take place in Turin’s historic centre, close to the city’s Monumental Cemetery. Exact venues will be announced soon.

Conference theme: "Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage"

Cemeteries engage all the senses and offer rich opportunities for learning. From sculptural and architectural heritage to the textures of weathered stone, the presence of vegetation and wildlife, and the stories embedded in family histories, these sites possess profound educational potential.

This learning, understanding and recognising the values of the past to shape our future, forms a foundation of our humanity. Yet in contemporary society, the lessons cemeteries offer risk being overlooked or dismissed as irrelevant.

This year’s conference explores how cemeteries can function as vital heritage sites for education, inviting reflection on how we preserve, interpret, and transmit knowledge across generations.

Topics

We welcome papers addressing (but not limited to):

• educational programmes in cemetery settings,
• cemeteries in formal and informal education,
• heritage interpretation and visitor engagement,
• digital technologies and heritage learning,
• training and professional development for cemetery staff and volunteers,
• community participation and knowledge exchange,
• schools and universities working with cemetery heritage.

Submissions

Individual presentations (15-20 minutes) and panel discussions (30-45 minutes, maximum four participants) are welcome.

Please submit via the form below:

1. An abstract of no more than 250 words
2. A brief CV (maximum one page)
3. For panel proposals, names and affiliations of all participants

The conference language is English.

Deadline for submissions: 31 January 2026
Notification of acceptance: 28 February 2026

➤ ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FORM

Editorial board

• Andreea Pop, phd
• Esterino Adami, phd
• Ian Dungavell, phd
• Ioanna Paraskevopoulou, phd
• Renata Santoro, phd
• Silvia Beltramo, phd

Further information

For any questions, please contact Mrs. Renata Santoro at renata.santoro@cimiteritorino.it.

Fundraising campaign at the New Cemetery of Podgórze

The Association PODGORZE.PL invites you to take part in the 20th fundraising campaign dedicated to preserving the historic tombstones at the New Cemetery of Podgórze in Krakow.

About the fundraising campaign

Thanks to the efforts of PODGORZE.PL, two tombstones at the New Cemetery of Podgórze were recently restored (photos below). The total cost of nearly 9,000 euros was fully covered by public donations. To date, these donations have enabled the association to restore eleven historic tombstones, helping revive the memory of the residents of the former Royal Free City of Podgórze. However, many forgotten and neglected tombstones in the Podgórze necropolis still require urgent conservation.

Therefore, as every year, the association is counting on your support and invites everyone to take part in its 20th anniversary fundraising campaign, which aims to begin restoration work on two more tombstones that have no legal owners and are not listed in the register of historical monuments.

The in-person fundraising already took place on 1 and 2 November 2025 at the New Cemetery of Podgórze. For those who could not contribute in person, we warmly encourage you to donate online at: https://zrzutka.pl/3cv2nx

*Cover photo source: www.zrzutka.pl/3cv2nx

Guided walk "The Piratello in the Feminine"

On 31 October and 1 November 2025, visit Piratello Cemetery in Imola, Italy, for the guided walk "The Piratello in the Feminine: Noble Benefactors, Devout Women, Partisans, and Scientists".

About the event

As part of the Urban Trekking initiative, Le Guide d’Arte, in collaboration with Area Blu S.p.A., is organising a special guided walk through the Piratello Cemetery in Imola titled "The Piratello in the Feminine: Noble Benefactors, Devout Women, Partisans, and Scientists".

This walk highlights the lives and contributions of women across different eras and social classes. Figures range from devout, family-oriented women to noblewomen such as the tragic Countess Orsola Bandini-Tozzoni and Desideria Pasolini Dall’Onda, founder of Italia Nostra. Participants will also discover women who left their mark in literature and science, including the nonconformist writer Eugenia Codronchi Argeli, known as “Sfinge,” and Giuseppina Cattani, the first woman admitted to Bologna’s prestigious Medical-Surgical Society. Furthermore, the route commemorates acts of courage, from Bianca Bizzi, whose family saved six Jewish individuals from deportation and death, to midwife Delvina Poggi, arrested and imprisoned in the Rocca fortress, as well as the partisans resting in the crypt of the PLH building.

Along the walk, visitors will have the opportunity to admire funerary monuments of particular artistic interest, many notable for their depictions of the female figure.

Location and schedule

The walk begins at the courtyard in front of the offices of Area Blu S.p.A., Via Emilia Ponente 24, 40026 Imola (BO).

Starting times:

• 31 October 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
• 1 November 2015 at 3:00 p.m.

Covering approximately 2 kilometers, the walk lasts around two hours, offering a reflective and visually rich experience.

Registration details

Registration for the event is required using this reservation form. Each participant may book up to two walks to allow broader participation in the Urban Trekking event.

For more information, visit the Sito Ufficiale del Territorio Turistico Bologna–Modena website or contact the organizers on WhatsApp at +39 347 7425404.

*Cover photo source: www.bolognawelcome.com

Commemorative tree-planting event at the Kalavryta Cemetery

On November 8th, 2025, the Kalavryta Cemetery will host a tree-planting event in remembrance of the victims of World War II and as a symbol of commitment to peace and justice.

About the event

The General Secretary of the Kalavryta Holocaust Victims Association, with the support of the Municipality of Kalavryta, invites you to participate in a commemorative tree-planting event at the Kalavryta Cemetery in Greece, which will take place on November 8th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

This event is organised as part of the ASCE Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe initiative, under the 2025 theme Gardens of 80, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and aligning with Goal 16 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Program

The program will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service for the fallen and widows of Kalavryta at the Chapel of All Saints, followed by tree planting at 10:30 a.m.

During the event, 80 new cypress trees will be planted to replace the old ones, reinforcing the cemetery as a natural place of remembrance and awareness. The Kalavryta Cemetery is deeply connected to the events of World War II, hosting the graves of 677 men executed during the German occupation on December 13, 1943, as well as the women who later contributed to rebuilding the community.

Through this event, descendants of the martyrs and the wider community will honor the past, celebrate resilience, and strengthen intergenerational commitment to peace and justice.

Theatrical performance at Certosa Monumental Cemetery

In July and August 2025, the Certosa Monumental Cemetery hosted "Pen, Bread and Justice", a play highlighting equality, solidarity, and justice through the stories of Bologna’s important historical figures.

About the event

As part of the Certosa 2025 Summer Calendar, the Certosa Monumental Cemetery in Bologna, Italy, hosted the theatrical performance "Pen, Bread and Justice" (in Italian "Penna, Pane e Giustizia").

Produced by Associazione Rimacheride and directed by Giovanna Manfredini, the performance featured Luisa Vitali and Nicola Fabbri, with an original text by Giacomo Gailli. The play presented the stories of three important historical figures from Bologna, through which the values of equality, solidarity, and justice were reflected.

• 1878 – Gualberta Alaide Beccari, a Mazzinian and pioneering voice of the emancipation magazine La Donna, educated people about equality. Gender equality was her mission.
• 1914 – Francesco Zanardi, elected Mayor of Bologna on a socialist electoral programme focused on bread and literacy, is shown in a dialogue with a baker, symbolizing the everyday work that sustains community life.
• 1939 – Mario Finzi, a political and civil activist during the Second World War and founder of Delasem, built a network that helped save millions of Jews from extermination, illustrating that peace is built through solidarity and trust.

Peace, justice and strong institutions

The project was realized as part of the ASCE "Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe" initiative, which included numerous activities during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC) and throughout the year. In 2025, it focused on peace, justice, and strong institutions—Goal 16 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

*Cover photo by Simone Bonetti, in-post photo by Giacomo Gailli.

Virtual Colloquium on Cemeteries 2025: Program and Registration

Registration is now open for the Cemetery Research Group’s Virtual Colloquium on Cemeteries, taking place on 21 November 2025.

About the Colloquium

On Friday, 21 November 2025, a free of charge virtual colloquium organized by the Cemetery Research Group will take place via Zoom.

The event will focus on places and practices relating to the disposal of the dead, including burial, cremation, and other methods. This year’s keynote speaker is Ruth E. Toulson (Maryland Institute College of Art), who will deliver a presentation titled “The Last Cemetery: Shifting Deathscapes in Contemporary Singapore”.

Program and registration

Papers will be delivered in four sessions throughout the day. You can find the entire program HERE.

To attend, please use this Google Form to register for the sessions you wish to join. You will receive invitations to your selected sessions a few days before the conference.

Registration deadline: 14 November 2025

For any questions, please contact Dr. Julie Rugg at julie.rugg@york.ac.uk.

WDEC 2026 at the Florence's English Cemetery

A new interactive visitor experience, available year-round and continuing into next year—including the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026.

Broadsheet maps

Visitors can now explore the English Cemetery in Florence, Italy, with specially designed broadsheet maps that guide them through its historic tombs. Each map features numbered images paired with corresponding stories on the reverse side. An approach visitors prefer over QR codes or online guides. The maps highlight some of the most notable figures buried in the Cemetery, such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Arthur Hugh Clough, Walter Savage Landor, Theodore Parker, and many others poets, reformers, and international intellectuals of the 19th century. Visitors can wander through sectors A to F, discovering stories of individuals with remarkable historical, artistic, and multicultural significance.

Treasure hunt maps and publications

In addition, the Cemetery team has created treasure hunt maps that connect the site to Dante’s Florence, Florence’s Saints, The Seven Acts of Mercy, George Eliot’s Romola and Florence, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Florence. For those seeking deeper insight, the Cemetery’s publications—Florence’s English Cemetery, 1827–1877: Thunders of White Silence; Dante and His Circle: Education, Script and Image; and O Bella Libertà by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, among others—offer in-depth explorations of its people, art, and history.

Virtual guide

You can learn more through the Italian or English virtual guide, available for download on the cemetery’s website.

Lisbon's 4th Cultural Week in Cemeteries

From 18 to 26 October 2025, guided tours, thematic walks, night visits, educational workshops, and other engaging activities will take place at Lisbon's cemeteries.

About the event

From 18 to 26 October 2025, Lisbon will host the 4th Cultural Week in Cemeteries, reaffirming the city’s cemeteries as vibrant spaces of memory, heritage, and cultural exchange. Organised by the Lisbon Municipal Cemeteries Division, the initiative combines tradition with innovation, offering the public a unique program of activities.

Event program and partners

Over nine days, visitors will discover the cemeteries of Lisbon—Prazeres, Alto de São João, Olivais, Carnide, and Lumiar—through guided tours, thematic walks, night visits, and the popular "open mausolea afternoons", organised in partnership with Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa. The program also includes educational activities, such as a philosophy workshop for children and families, encouraging younger generations to reflect creatively on life and death.

In Lisbon, the Cultural Week further includes visits to the British Cemetery, the German Cemetery, the National Pantheon, and the Church of São Roque. Beyond the capital, new partners join this year: the Cemitério da Lapa in Porto and the Museu Funerário Fernando Oliveira in Aveiro, together with a wide network of municipalities across the country. In 2025, the program will involve the cities of Setúbal, Palmela, Vila Franca de Xira, Barreiro, Caldas da Rainha, Figueira da Foz, Santarém, and Torres Vedras, highlighting the richness and diversity of Portuguese funerary heritage.

1st Interdisciplinary Conference on Cemeteries

On 24 October 2025, the program will feature the 1st Interdisciplinary Conference on Cemeteries, a landmark event bringing together academics, researchers, and heritage professionals in Lisbon for a day of dialogue and reflection, open to the wider community.

Additional information and registration

All activities are free of charge, subject to prior registration at cemiterios.visitas@cm-lisboa.pt.

For more information visit www.informacao.lisboa.pt

WDEC 2026: Quality education

The 2026 Week of Discovering European Cemeteries will focus on the role cemeteries play in enabling, implementing and promoting quality education.

Theme of WDEC 2026

The Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026 will once again be held as a central activity within the framework of the ASCE initiative Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe. Following the pattern established in 2024 and 2025, the initiative aligns its activities with one of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, illustrating how cemeteries can contribute to a more sustainable society. 

Scheduled from May 22 to May 31, 2026, the WDEC 2026 will focus on Goal 4: Quality education and will take place within the same thematic context as the ASCE Schools on Cemeteries project, offering expanded opportunities for innovative activities and new cooperation.

This emphasis on education is perfectly suited to cemeteries because they are not only places of remembrance but also open-air museums and unique classrooms where history, art, and culture intersect. They provide countless opportunities for learning about the individuals who shaped our communities, the values that guided them, and the importance of education and knowledge in building a more sustainable future.

Main orientations for your activities

We encourage all ASCE members to use the WDEC 2026 theme as a framework for organizing engaging and innovative activities. As you plan your programs, consider the following guiding principles:

• Why is education important in sustainable development? Explore the role of knowledge and education in creating environmentally and socially responsible communities, and consider how cemeteries can contribute to this process.
• Who were the important educators in city history? Look for the graves and stories of teachers, professors, philanthropists, scientists, artists, and reformers who helped to shape the educational landscape and intellectual life of your city.
• What is sustainable education? Consider how the conservation of cemetery heritage itself is a form of sustainable education, and what specific lessons about ecology, history, or social equity can your cemetery offer?
• How education changed life in a city? Plan tours or workshops focusing on historical figures whose educational contributions led to significant social, technological, or political changes in your community.

Your programs could include guided thematic tours, educational workshops for all generations, exhibitions about local educational pioneers, or digital projects that bring these stories to a wider audience.

Share your activities

We invite you to share programs, photos and other materials of your planned activities during WDEC 2026 ba using the form below. We will be happy to publish them on the ASCE website and our social media channels.

➤ SUBMISSION FORM