ASCE Conference 2023: Live streaming and simultaneous translation

Simultaneous translation of ASCE Conference 2023
This year, a free live stream of the conference is available as well as the possibility of simultaneous translation of the conference into 5 different languages.

Great news for those who cannot attend the ASCE conference 2023 in person or who will be present at the conference in Mantua but are not the most sovereign in following foreign language presentations. 

This year, a free live stream of the conference is available as well as the possibility of simultaneous translation of the conference into 5 different languages (English, French, Greek, Italian and Spanish).

Below are the instructions for accessing the live stream and setting your preferred translation language.

Instructions for those present at the conference

  1. To listen or read the translation of the presentations in the desired language from your PC, smartphone or tablet click HERE.
  2. Choose one of the 5 languages available for translation to listen to or display on the device, as seen in the picture.
  3. After choosing your desired language click on Join.
  4. In the following, the translation will appear on the screen of your device. You can read it or listen to it with headphones connected to your device.
  5. To activate the audio, click on the speaker icon, available next to the flag representing the chosen language.

It is possible to listen to the translation even with the device locked. With the screen turned off the battery consumption is reduced. If necessary, it will be possible to recharge PCs, smartphones and tablets via the charging station available at the conference. For information, contact the staff present in the room.

Instructions for those who will follow the live stream remotely

  1. To follow the live stream of the conference on the YouTube channel from your PC, tablet or smartphone click HERE.
  2. To access the translation program:
    • Open another tab or window in your browser.
    • Connect HERE.
    • Choose one of the 5 languages available for the translation.
    • Attention: keep the screens of both platforms open to be able to watch the live streaming and listen to the translation at the same time.
In case of problems or questions, please contact us at admin@significantcemeteries.org
The above instructions in Italian language are available HERE.

Highlights from the Cemetery Conference in Varaždin

Cemetery Conference in Varaždin 2023
On September 14 and 15, 2023, the 1st scientific and professional conference on cemeteries took place in Varaždin, Croatia.

Jelena Sekelj (director of Parkovi d.o.o.) and Lidija Pliberšek (ASCE president)


The 1st scientific and professional conference on cemeteries, that  took place on September 14 and 15, 2023, at the Turist Hotel in Varaždin, Croatia, brought together a diverse group of experts from public institutions, utility companies, local self-government units, scientists and suppliers of technology and utility equipment. Among the participants at the conference was also the president of ASCE, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek.

The conference focus was on maintenance and future management of cemeteries. The Varaždin cemetery has a great cultural and historical significance as well as an exemplary combination of horticulture and artistic monuments. It is therefore not surprising that Varaždin was chosen as the venue for the 1st international scientific and professional conference on cemeteries.

1st scientific and professional conference on cemeteries 2023

The Mayor of Varaždin, Neven Bosilj, welcomed the lecturers and participants of the conference, and emphasized the cultural and historical importance of the Varaždin cemetery, as well as the need to preserve the heritage of its founder, Herman Haller. The director of Parkovi d.o.o., Jelena Sekelj, outlined the meeting's topics, including waste management, greenery protection, digitalization of funeral services, artificial intelligence at cemeteries, computerization of management, and more. 

The second day of the meeting was reserved for study visits to the City Cemetery in Varaždin and the Jewish Cemetery and the presentation of usage of electric vehicles in the maintenance of cemeteries. Since the conference was held as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the first known recorded burial at the Varaždin cemetery, the exhibition "250 years of the Varaždin cemetery" was opened in the crypt of the church of St. Nikola and can be visited for free until October 7, 2023.

More about the event at www.parkovi.eu.

ASCE president at the Cultural Route Certificate Ceremony

Council of Europe Cultural Route certificate, Ljubljana 2023
ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, attended the Cultural Route Certificate Ceremony at the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia.

On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, a ceremonial event was held in the small hall of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, at which the director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes, Stefano Dominioni, from Luxembourg, handed over the Council of Europe Cultural Route Certificate to the Women Writers Route.

On this occasion, the gathered were address by:

  • dr. Andreja Rihter, president of the Cultural Tourist Association of the Women Writers Route,
  • Tamara Vonta, president of the Committee for Culture of the Slovenian National Assembly and Head of the Delegation of the Slovenian National Assembly in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,
  • Špela Spanžel, director general of the Directorate for Cultural Heritage of the Slovenian Ministry of Culture,
  • M.Sc. Urška Klakočar Zupančič, president of the Slovenian National Assembly.

At the invitation of the organizers, M.Sc. Lidija Pliberšek, President of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe, which manages the European Cemeteries Route project, attended the event. 

The official part of the ceremony was followed by an informal social gathering where the guests had the opportunity to exchange valuable experiences, insights, and perspectives on cultural routes in Slovenia and their interconnectedness.

M.Sc. Lidija Pliberšek (ASCE president), Stefano Dominioni (director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes) and dr. Andreja Rihter (president of the Cultural Tourist Association of the Women Writers Route) Špela Spanžel (director general of the Directorate for Cultural Heritage of the Slovenian Ministry of Culture) and M.Sc. Lidija Pliberšek (ASCE president) Špela Spanžel (director general of the Directorate for Cultural Heritage of the Slovenian Ministry of Culture), Stefano Dominioni (director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes) and M.Sc. Lidija Pliberšek (ASCE president) Stefano Dominioni (director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes), M.Sc. Urška Klakočar Zupančič, (president of the Slovenian National Assembly) and dr. Andreja Rihter (president of the Cultural Tourist Association of the Women Writers Route)

"Nachklang" concert at the Vienna Central Cemetery

Nachklang Concert at the Vienna Central Cemetery 2023
A biennial celebration of music and remembrance with over 4.400 attendees.
"Nachklang" Concert at the Vienna Central Cemetery 2023

On the evening of September 6, 2023, the "Nachklang" concert graced the historic Vienna Central Cemetery with its unique and moving performance. This extraordinary event, held every two years, not only celebrated music but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our culture of remembrance and the significance of cemeteries as repositories of history and memory.

"Nachklang," which translates to "Echo" or "Resonance" in English, commenced with a poignant procession of musicians, set against the backdrop of centuries-old tombstones and mausoleums. The weather cooperated perfectly, with a clear sky enhancing the atmosphere, as if the very heavens were acknowledging the importance of this cultural gathering. The trees lining the cemetery provided a majestic frame for the event.

"Nachklang" Concert at the Vienna Central Cemetery 2023


The musical presentation paid homage to famous musicians, finding their last rest on the Vienna Central Cemetery. This mission was particularly evident in the choice of musical highlights during the concert. Two exceptional artists paid tribute to the legendary Austrian musicians, Falco and Udo Jürgens, by performing their iconic songs. These performances not only entertained the audience but also emphasized the role of cemeteries as the final resting places of influential cultural figures. They showcased how the music of these artists continues to live on and inspire, even amidst the hallowed grounds of a cemetery.

"Nachklang" Concert at the Vienna Central Cemetery 2023

"Nachklang" is not just a one-time event but a biennial tradition that brings together music enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and advocates of remembrance. Held every two years, it serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of cemeteries and their role in preserving our collective memory. The concert's name, "Nachklang," aptly captures the idea that the echoes of our past continue to reverberate and inspire us in the present.

The audience, seated on provided chairs and blankets, was captivated from start to finish. The combination of classical masterpieces and these remarkable tributes created a truly memorable evening of music. It was a testament to the idea that cemeteries, far from being somber places, can also be venues for vibrant cultural events that honor the past and inspire the present.


"Nachklang" Concert at the Vienna Central Cemetery 2023 "Nachklang" Concert at the Vienna Central Cemetery 2023 "Nachklang" Concert at the Vienna Central Cemetery 2023 "Nachklang" Concert at the Vienna Central Cemetery 2023

Insignia unveiling and peace tree planting at Kifissia Cemetery

Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia (Greece)
From 6 to 8 September 2023, a series of special events that took place at the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia, Greece.

About the events

The Municipality of Kifissia (Greece) organised a series of special events that took place from 6 to 8 September 2023 to celebrate the inclusion of the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia in the European Cemeteries Route and joining the Peace tree project.

One of the main events was the ceremonial inauguration of the ASCE and European Cemeteries Route insignia at the cemetery's entrance. ASCE President, Lidija Pliberšek, and the Mayor of Kifissia, Georgios Thomakos, jointly unveiled the insignias, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries and key representatives of the city and the cemetery. This act symbolically marked the inclusion of the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia in the European Cemeteries Route and highlighted the town's dedication to preserving the cemetery's rich cultural heritage and historical legacy.

In addition, the Peace Tree Project, which started during the Week of  Discovering European Cemeteries 2023, took another step forward. Following the successful planting of peace trees in Maribor and Budapest, the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia became the proud home of the third peace tree. The purpose of the project is to plant a "peace tree" in as many different European cemeteries as possible, serving as a reminder of the importance of peace and reconciliation, while spreading the message “Live in peace to rest in peace!”.

Photos from the events:

Drama production "20th Century Casualties"

Newtown Road Cemetery
Join us for a trio of playlets on the lives of three Newbury men who died in dramatic circumstances between 1938 and 1940.

About the event

The Resurrection Players proudly present the drama production "20th Century Casualties", directed by Ros Clow. A trio of playlets on the lives of three Newbury men who died in dramatic circumstances between 1938 and 1940 and are commemorated in Newtown Road Cemetery (Newbury, United Kingdom).

The event, which was created as part of the "Grave of the month" project, will take place at the Royal British Legion Club (Pelican Lane, Newbury RG14 1NP) on September 14, 15 and 16, 2023, at 7.30 pm.

The tickets can be bought online at trybooking.co.uk/39507 or via the QR code in the original invitation.

Grave of the month

This month, the graves of the three Newbury residents presented below will be marked and also featured in the drama production "20th Century Casualties."

At the north end of the cemetery, you will find the Commonwealth War Grave of A.C. Jessett who committed suicide in 1940 rather than return to work at RAF Harwell, where he looked after Wellington bombers.

Also marked is a grave without a headstone, the grave of Fred Gardner who was electrocuted at Pangbourne substation in 1938. We know where the grave is because someone took a photo of the funeral, a very rare occurrence.

At the south end, near the top gate is the memorial to Jack Marshall Evans who died in the submarine HMS Triad in 1940. He is remembered on the grave of his grandparents, John and Louisa Claridge.





*Main photo source: www.fnrcnewbury.org.uk

Elections candidates 2023

Elections candidates 2023
We present you the list of candidates for president and Steering Committee 2023.

Elections 2023

The elections will take place at the ASCE Annual General Meeting on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, starting at 17.00

Location:  TEA headquarters, Via Giuseppe Taliercio 3, 46100 Mantua, Italy

Participation is allowed to ASCE members only.

List of candidates

According to ASCE charter and calls for candidates we have prepared the list of candidates for Steering Committee and president. List is presented by alphabetical order by countries and within country by name. Please note that each member has a presentation in the link attached to their name.

CountryTownNameCandidate for
Austria
ViennaRenate NiklasSC member
GermanyDresdenValérie Madoka NaitoSC member
GreeceKifissiaTheodora-Virginia (Rania) DalliSC member
GreeceSkiathosThodoris TzoumasSC member
HungaryBudapestGábor MóczárSC member
ItalyBolognaMelissa La MaidaSC member
NorwayOsloWenche ErikssonSC member
RomaniaBucharestAndreea PopSC member
SloveniaMariborLidija PliberšekPresident
SpainBarcelonaMiquel Trepat CelisSC member

1st scientific and professional conference on cemeteries in Varaždin

Varaždin Cemetery (Varaždin, Croatia)
The conference will take place on 14 in 15 September 2023, focusing on maintenance and future management of cemeteries.

About the conference

This year, Varaždin (Croatia) will host the 1st international scientific and professional conference on cemeteries, which will be held on 14 and 15 September 2023, at the Hotel Turist. The event is organized by Parkovi d.o.o. from Varaždin and the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Sponsors are the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the City of Varaždin and the Association of Cities.

The conference will bring together experts from municipal companies, representatives of local self-government units, public institutions, scientists and suppliers of technology and public utility equipment.

The first thematic block will include a historical review of the city cemetery in Varaždin, which this year marks the 250th anniversary of the first burial at this cemetery. The following thematic blocks will focus on the improvement of the waste management system and protection of greenery at the cemetery (using the example of the Varaždin Cemetery), digitization of funeral services, artificial intelligence at cemeteries, computerization of cemetery management and other topics related to cemetery maintenance and funeral activities.

Additional activities

On the first day of the conference, in addition to the presentation part with the already mentioned topics, participants will also visit an exhibition that will mark the 250th anniversary of the first burial at the Varaždin Cemetery. The exhibition will be set up in a unique space in the crypt of the church of St. Nikola which has so far been mostly inaccessible and unknown to the public. The exhibition itself is divided into several thematic units: “Burials in the former cemeteries of Varaždin until the beginning of the use of the present-day City Cemetery”, “From the idea of a cemetery park to the present-day cemetery”, “Herman Haller and his predecessors and successors”, “Interesting landscape parts of the cemetery”, and “Customs of the people of Varaždin when burying their loved ones”. The exhibition is prepared by the Varaždin City Museum in cooperation with Parkovi d.o.o.

On the second day of the conference, the participants will visit two cultural monuments - the city cemetery in Varaždin and the Jewish cemetery. In addition, there will be a presentation of electric vehicles for the maintenance of cemeteries and public utility equipment.

In addition to being a cultural monument and a monument of park architecture, the Varaždin Cemetery is also known for its communal arrangement. Considering that Varaždin has been an example of horticultural arrangement for years, and the municipal company Parkovi is among the leaders in its activity, this will also be a great opportunity for conference participants to exchange experiences on the current challenges of managing municipal companies and performing public utility activities.

Event program and registration contact

You can find the preliminary program of the event HERE.
For all information about registration and accommodation options contact ivana@horizont-travel.hr.

Events at Kensal Green Cemetery

Events at Kensal Green Cemetery
This September, the Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery are excited to invite you to two events that will take place at the Kensal Green Cemetery in London, United Kingdom.

Victorian Death and Mourning

Tuesday, 5th September 2023, at 19.30

At no other period in British history were there such excesses in funerary pomp at all levels of society as during the nineteenth century. This talk will examine Victorian attitudes to death and consider the associated paraphernalia, including the hearses, mourning dresses and keepsakes.

Robert Stephenson is a tour leader at three Victorian cemeteries and the chairman of the National Federation of Cemetery Friends.

The event will take place at the Dissenter's Chapel of Kensal Green Cemetery, 391 Ladbroke Grove, W10 5AB. Please arrive by the entrance from Ladbroke Grove, which will be open specially for this event.

Doors open at 18.45 pm for refreshments and wine.

This event was to take place at Brompton Cemetery, but the venue was changed to Kensal Green Cemetery.

More information and to book: https://kensalgreen.co.uk/events.php


Napoleonic Stories at Kensal Green Cemetery

Saturday, 23rd September 2023, from 10.30 to 16.00

Guided Walk – Interactive talk and costumed presentation - Refreshments

Kensal Green Cemetery is the last resting place of probably more participants in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars than any other civilian location. Over two hundred members of the army and navy of the time are there, as well as a number of civilian witnesses. We propose an event that would remember them and the turbulent times they lived through.

The event will also cover the social history and culture of the period, including entertainment and the roles of women and families.

A buffet lunch is included.

More information and to book: https://kensalgreen.co.uk/events.php

Please note: where applicable the member discount code is: FoKGC2023
Please enter the code at checkout.

Lapa Cemetery (Porto, Portugal)

Lapa Cemetery (Porto, Portugal)
Lapa Cemetery is the oldest operating private Catholic cemetery in Portugal, founded in 1833 by the Lapa brotherhood.

About the cemetery

Founded in 1833 by the Lapa brotherhood, the Lapa Cemetery is the oldest operating private Catholic cemetery in Portugal, established two years before the Portuguese law on public cemeteries. Initially, it functioned provisionally on a plot of land at the back of its church, with the first burial in the definitive cemetery occurring in 1836. The main construction efforts, spearheaded by businessman João da Silva Ribeiro, took place between 1836 and 1840, and the cemetery was consecrated by 1838.

Due to its strong social acceptance, particularly among the wealthier population, the cemetery saw rapid growth. A little over ten years later, the need for expansion arose, and the cemetery was enlarged. Two decades later the cemetery had to be enlarged again and the works were concluded in 1874. The entrance gate was then moved from its original place to where it is today. 

Even though it is not a large cemetery, the Lapa Cemetery holds immense historical and artistic significance, particularly in northern Portugal. Some of the first Portuguese romanticist funerary monuments were erected here from 1839 onwards. Several of its most pompous tombs served as inspiration for other cemeteries over the decades. In fact, from its establishment until the end of the 19th century, the Lapa Cemetery was the favourite burial place of the Porto elite.

The establishment of the cemetery is also linked to the important military event of the Siege of Porto (1832-1833), which played a crucial role in the transition to a constitutional monarchy. Notably, the king responsible for this change, Pedro IV, donated his heart to the city, and a monument inside the church next to the cemetery houses this heart, making the entire complex a highly relevant historical site. 

Today, the Lapa cemetery attracts many local and foreign visitors. Guided tours, events, and school visits are being organised at the cemetery.

Cemetery architectural and landscape design

The cemetery was designed as a sort of "campo santo", with the central plots for monuments in the form of pedestals, obelisks, or others, and the edges for vault-chapels, which thus enclose the space. However, unlike the typical Italian "campo santo" with porticoes and the most important tombs beneath them, in the Lapa cemetery the construction of the vault-chapels on the edges of the cemetery was left to the discretion of the wealthiest families, resulting in a lack of uniformity and, at the same time, a greater diversity in architectural and iconographic terms. This model of cemetery landscape, which was first applied in Portugal precisely in the Lapa cemetery, was then adopted in dozens of other cemeteries in the northern part of the country.

However, the extensions made to the Lapa cemetery in the 1850s and 1870s did not follow this model: in the upper division of the cemetery, monuments are all in rows, with no intervening paths, and may be small chapels or take on other types (this type of layout is an originality of the cemetery and is not found in any other cemetery in Portugal); in the third division, which corresponds to the final enlargement of the cemetery, monuments are aligned with the streets, as is the case in the two large municipal cemeteries in Porto. Eventually, this final model would also contaminate the oldest part of the cemetery.

By 1910 the cemetery had almost come to a standstill, due to the impossibility of making a new enlargement. With the abandonment and subsequent decay of some of the tombs, namely those whose concessionary families had been extinguished, new tombs were erected at the cost of the demolition of other older ones. Throughout almost the whole of the 20th century there was an impoverishment of the Lapa cemetery. Even so, almost all of its largest tombs remained. The alterations that several of them suffered were due to the concession to other families, leading to the disappearance of the old inscriptions and, in some cases, of portraits, as well as funerary artefacts. In other cases, the tombs their original iron railings.

Address

Largo da Lapa no.1
4060-069 Porto
Portugal

Contacts

Cemetery
Phone: (+351) 223 289 317
Email: cemiterio@irmandadedalapa.pt

Management
Phone: (+351) 225 502 828
Email: geral@irmandadedalapa.pt

Website: www.irmandadedalapa.pt/

Basic data

Year of first burial: 1833
Cemetery area: 1,35ha
Number of graves: aprox. 320
Number of burials: aprox. 35.000

Managing organization: Venerável Irmandade de Nossa Senhora da Lapa

Insights from the Certification Training Seminar in Luxembourg

Luxembourg Cemeteries
ASCE president, Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek, unveiled the organizational journey of ASCE and European Cemeteries Route.

About the seminar

Certification Training Seminar in Luxembourg 2023

On Friday, June 30th, 2023, Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek, president of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), participated as a guest speaker in the Training Seminar for candidate routes applying for the "Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" certification held by the European Institute of Cultural Routes. This seminar served as a platform to introduce aspiring networks to the practical aspects of Cultural Routes, providing valuable support on their path towards certification within the 2023-2024 Certification Cycle.

Joining online, Mrs. Pliberšek eloquently bridged theory and practice, sharing valuable insights into operations of a certified Cultural Route. Shedding light on the European Cemeteries Route, showcasing its members, thematic focus, projects, and the countries involved, Mrs. Pliberšek discussed the challenges encountered, offering guidance, and highlighting the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for aspiring Cultural Route networks.

Role of ASCE and European Cemeteries Route

Participation in this seminar has served as an opportunity to reflect both on our work as representatives of cultural heritage of cemeteries across Europe, as much as our contribution to the development and growth of candidate networks, building an engaging and vibrant community of Cultural Routes. Through the European Cemeteries Route, ASCE continues to inspire and guide the dynamic community of certified Cultural Routes in Europe, facilitating cooperation, preserving heritage, and promoting sustainable cultural tourism throughout Europe.

The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe's 10th Training Academy

Training Academy 2023
ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, participated in the 10th Training Academy of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, which took place from May 30th to June 2nd, 2023, in France.

Looking to the Future: visibility, cooperation and sustainability

The 10th Training Academy of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, hosted by Prehistoric Rock Art Trails, took place from May 30th to June 2nd, 2023, in the picturesque Dordogne region of France, in Périgueux-Montignac and Les Eyzies de Tayac, on the theme "Looking to the Future: visibility, cooperation and sustainability in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe”.

As the theme suggests, this year's Training Academy had a clear focus on shaping the future of Cultural Routes, emphasizing three key aspects: visibility, collaboration, and sustainability. Representatives from various cultural routes and countries attended the event to exchange experiences, learn from good management practices, and advance ideas for new topics of engagement and areas for improvement.

In light of the event, it was established that the European Cemeteries Route would actively contribute to the Sustainability Working Group, established at the Forum in Chania on October 5th, 2022. This decision highlights the commitment of the European Cemeteries Route to contribute to sustainable practices and promote responsible tourism within the cultural routes framework. Joining forces with six other cultural routes, we are committed to collectively tackle sustainability challenges, assess the environmental, social, and economic impact of our projects, develop practical tools and resources, and share best practices to pave the way for a brighter future.

We warmly invite all members of our association to join us in our pursuit of creating a more sustainable and impactful future.

Photos from the event

Planting a peace tree in Budapest

Planting a peace tree in Budapest
On 26 May 2023, a tree was planted at the Fiumei Road Cemetery in Budapest as part of the ASCE Peace Tree Project.

The Peace Tree Project

The ASCE Peace Tree Project aims to encourage ASCE members to plant a tree at their cemeteries as a symbolic reminder of the importance of peace, not only after death but also during life. In doing so, the central message of the project is spread: “Live in peace to rest in peace!”.

The planting of the first tree and thereby the official start of the project took place at Pobrežje Cemetery in Maribor, Slovenia, on 25 May 2023.

The second peace tree was planted a day after that, on 26 May 2023, in the Fiumei Road Cemetery in Budapest, Hungary.

You can find more details about the project HERE.