WDEC 2026 at Vienna Central Cemetery

Discover some of the activities taking place at Vienna's Central Cemetery in Austria during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026.

VHS Educational Walk: The Circular Economy of Life and Death

How can a space dedicated to farewell also become a hub for welcome transformation? This educational walk, part of the "Circular (Economy) in Motion" series, explores the Vienna Central Cemetery as a fascinating setting for uninterrupted life cycles. Participants will discover how this vast site provides valuable wildlife habitats and how modern circular economy principles are applied to cemetery operations.

From resource-conserving day-to-day management to burial practices that blend tradition with sustainability, this tour offers a forward-looking perspective. It is particularly suitable for those interested in lived sustainability, the practicalities of cemetery work, and the uniquely Viennese sense of humor surrounding burial culture.

Event Details:

• Date and time: May 28, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Starting point: VHS Simmering (Gottschalkgasse 10, 1110 Vienna)
• End point: Vienna Central Cemetery (Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234, 1110 Vienna)
• Organizers: Vienna Adult Education Centres (VHS), in cooperation with Friedhöfe Wien GmbH and Bestattung Wien
• Cost: Free of charge (ages 18+)

NOTE: Part of the route uses public transport.

Fire Celebration: Exclusive Guided Tours of the Vienna Crematorium

Under the guiding question "What truly matters in the end?", Friedhöfe Wien and Bestattung Wien present a series of events exploring farewell and remembrance. A highlight of this initiative is the exclusive guided tour of the Vienna Crematorium. These tours aim to demystify the cremation process and provide educational insights into what happens behind the scenes.

In a space where grief, love, and connection are given room to breathe, these tours address the core of dignified farewells. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the infrastructure and rituals that provide support to the living while honoring the stories of those who have passed.

Event Details:

• Date and time: May 29, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (tours last approx. 1.5 hours)
• Location: Main entrance, Feuerhalle Simmering Cemetery (Simmeringer Hauptstraße 337, 1110 Vienna)
• Organizer: Friedhöfe Wien GmbH
• Cost: Free of charge (ages 10+)
• Tours language: German

NOTE: Maximum 25 people per tour. Registration required via post@friedhoefewien.at. When registering, kindly indicate your preferred time slot. Participation is only valid once a confirmation has been received.

Additional Information

For further details regarding the described activities or to access the full programme of events, please utilize the contact information and resources provided below.

• Contact person: Julia Stering
• Email: kommunikation@friedhoefewien.at
• Phone: 0664 88483282
• Full list of events: www.friedhoefewien.at/schwerpunktwoche-2026

*Photo source: www.friedhoefewien.at

Silent Disco at Vienna Central Cemetery: Event Highlights

A unique experience where sound, space, and community came together.

About the Silent Disco Event

Friedhöfe Wien GmbH consciously embraces the extraordinary. With the first-ever silent disco held at Vienna Central Cemetery, the cemetery church became a place of celebration – quiet, respectful, and yet vividly alive. Equipped with headphones, people of all generations danced side by side, while the space itself remained free of amplified sound.

In this way, a new form of togetherness emerged – one that upholds dignity and respect for mourners while opening space for meaningful and memorable shared experiences.

The aim of the event was to encourage new perspectives in a place traditionally associated with silence and farewell.

The silent disco forms part of a broader range of initiatives through which Friedhöfe Wien has been reimagining Vienna Central Cemetery for several years as a space for art, culture, and social encounter. From urban gardening and sports programs to live music, the cemetery is increasingly being experienced as an open, multifaceted space for the living.

Dancing Until Dawn

The evening of 17 April 2026 marked a notable milestone in the history of Friedhöfe Wien GmbH. The cemetery church became the stage for an extraordinary cultural experience. Public response was overwhelming: Sold out two weeks in advance, the silent disco attracted around 500 guests and transformed the location into a vibrant hub of silent music, movement, and human connection for one night. The event was attended by numerous members of the media.

This innovative format was made possible by close and reliable collaboration with the responsible parish, whose support was essential to its successful implementation.

Event Photos

*Photos Copyright: SilentDisco

Liberation Day in the cemeteries of SEFIT Utilitalia in Italy

As part of the Italian Cemeteries Enhancement Activities, the ‘Monuments and Headstones Tell the Story of the Liberation’ project honors the Italian Resistance during World War II.

About the project

April 25 marks the anniversary of Italy's Liberation, marking the end of the Nazi occupation and the fall of the Fascist regime in 1945. The Italian public cemeteries of Utilitalia Sefit's Historical, Artistic, and Tourism Enhancement Working Group (WG) tell, through their headstones and monuments, the stories of many partisans, civilian victims, and all those who fell for Freedom within and beyond their walls.

In this year's project, the WG for the Enhancement of Cemeteries uses the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance as the underlying theme in the short video. Indeed, the National Association of Italian Partisans (ANPI) recognizes the red poppy as the symbol of the partisan. But it is also the symbol of the fallen in war, for the red color of the blood spilled on the battlefields, and it is the symbol of the strength of nature and of the Resistance because it is a spontaneous flower that blooms even among the rubble.

It doesn't have many images and captions, but by scanning the QR code included for each city, you can access more detailed information on the headstones, tombs, ceremonies, and events.

With this eight-and-a-half-minute video, we share the social energy of our work online.

Video of Europe’s Cultural Routes in Italy

The Italian Ministry of Culture has released a new one-hour video showcasing, for the first time, the 36 Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe that cross Italian territory.

About the project

The video highlights several major European itineraries that are part of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and pass through Italy, such as the Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena, the Route of Aeneas, Leonardo da Vinci’s Routes, ATRIUM, Iter Vitis, the Phoenicians’ Route, the Way of St. Francis, and others. The Cultural Routes are presented thematically, illustrating Europe’s shared heritage across history, architecture, religion, landscapes, and cultural traditions, while also promoting sustainable tourism and cooperation between institutions and local stakeholders.

European Cemeteries Route

Among the routes featured in the video is also the European Cemeteries Route, certified in 2010 and coordinated by the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe. The European Cemeteries Route connects historic cemeteries across Europe as cultural landscapes that reflect European history, art, and collective memory. In the video, it is illustrated with images of several Italian cemeteries, including:

• the Monumental Cemetery of Lavagna,
• the Monumental Cemetery of Mantua,
• the Certosa Monumental Cemetery in Bologna,
• the Monumental Cemetery of Verona,
• the Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome,
• andthe Verano Monumental Cemetery in Rome.

The video

The European Cemeteries Route is featured from 31:38 onwards.

WDEC 2026 at New Cemetery of Podgórze

Association PODGORZE.PL invites you to a free guided walk at the New Cemetery of Podgórze to discover the stories of those laid to rest in this historic place.

About the event

The guided walk titled “In the footsteps of famous people in the New Cemetery of Podgórze” will take place on May 27, 2026, at 18:00, starting at the main gate of the New Cemetery of Podgórze (Wapienna Street, Kraków).

Participants will discover the stories of notable individuals buried in the cemetery, including priests, entrepreneurs, and soldiers.

The event continues a successful series of annual walks and will be led by members and friends of the Association PODGORZE.PL. Participation is free of charge.

More information at podgorze.pl.

Events at Kensal Green Cemetery 2026

Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery invite you to take part in several interesting events at Kensal Green Cemetery in London, United Kingdom.

I.K.Brunel & Railway History Guided Tour

Sunday, 19 April, 2:00 pm

We will visit the Brunel family memorial alongside the graves of other railway engineers and promoters, exploring the story behind the development of the Great Western Railway, which runs just south of the cemetery.

The tour begins at the main pedestrian entrance on Harrow Road, near the junction with Ladbroke Grove. It will last approximately two hours and conclude at the Dissenters’ Chapel, where hot drinks will be served followed by a Q&A session.

Book your place at www.kensalgreen.co.uk.

St.Helena to Kensal Green Exploring Napoleon’s Final Chapter

Saturday, 20 June, 10:30 am

Kensal Green Cemetery is the final resting place of many veterans of the Battle of Waterloo, the conflict that marked Napoleon’s ultimate defeat. It also contains the grave of the Admiral who transported Napoleon to St Helena, along with at least three others who encountered him during his exile there.

The day will begin with a talk exploring these historical events, followed by lunch and a guided tour of the cemetery, visiting the graves of those who witnessed these dramatic moments in history.

Book your place at www.kensalgreen.co.uk.

Among the Angels of Kensal Green

Saturday, 15 August, 10:30 am

A talk and guided walk exploring the symbolism, artistry, and emotional resonance of cemetery angels – from the Victorian celebration of death to their place in modern culture.

Book your place at www.kensalgreen.co.uk.

The Days of Giants: Joseph Locke and his generation of railway pioneers

Sunday, 20 September, 2:00 pm

Joseph Locke is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery and was arguably more influential in shaping the UK’s railway network than Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who is also interred here.

This guided tour explores his achievements alongside those of other railway engineers and promoters who found their final resting place in Kensal Green.

Book your place at www.kensalgreen.co.uk.

Prince George, Master Frederick and the Royal Secrets

Saturday, 14 November, 10:30 am

A talk and guided walk exploring the fascinating story of Frederick Blomberg, the secret son of George III, offering a fresh perspective on the era and the people behind the ceremony, creativity, and drama of the Georgian and early Victorian courts.

Book your place at www.kensalgreen.co.uk.

Highlights Guided Tours: Sundays, 2:00 pm

(Check the website for the available dates)

An introduction to the cemetery, its history, architecture, and development, and to some of the many famous (and infamous) figures buried within this great necropolis.

Book your place at www.kensalgreen.co.uk

*Photo source: www.kensalgreen.co.uk

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