ASCE President at the CWGC Conference in Paris

On 1 October 2026, ASCE President Mrs Lidija Pliberšek attended the CWGC International Conference in Paris, France, dedicated to the future of UNESCO World Heritage sites of memory.

About the Conference

On 1 October 2026, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) organised an international conference in Paris, France, titled “Beyond Inscription: The Future of Sites of Memory”, which focused on the future of UNESCO World Heritage sites connected with funerary heritage and the memory of the First World War on the Western Front. The Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), represented by ASCE President Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, was among the participating organisations.

The conference addressed several key themes central to ASCE’s core mission, including the preservation of cemeteries and memorial sites as places of memory and cultural heritage, sustainable landscape management, visitor experience, education, interpretation, and the role of such sites in promoting remembrance, dialogue, and peace.

You can read the full official event announcement and topic outline HERE.

Opportunities for Cooperation

During the event, ASCE President Lidija Pliberšek met with representatives of the CWGC to discuss opportunities for closer cooperation. Both organizations share a strong interest in the long-term preservation, management, and interpretation of cemetery and memorial heritage, as well as in education, sustainability, and the exchange of professional knowledge and best practices.

For ASCE, closer cooperation with the CWGC is particularly valuable due to the Commission’s extensive international experience in the conservation and management of memorial sites. In turn, ASCE contributes to a broad European network of significant cemeteries, cities, and professionals.

Such a connection could strengthen the exchange of expertise, support joint educational and heritage initiatives and create a basis for a more structured form of cooperation in the future.

Event Photos

Group photo, from left to right:

• Barry Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC);
• Lidija Pliberšek, President of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE);
• Charles Garrett, Director of Global Strategy & International Relations, Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC);
• Xavier Puppinck, Area Director – Central and Southern Europe Area, Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

European Cemeteries Route Receives the Inspiring Practice Award

On 25 September 2026, the European Cemeteries Route received an Inspiring Practice Award from the EPA Governing Board for “Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage” initiative.

About the Inspiring Practice Award

From 23 to 25 September 2026, the 15th Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe took place in Yerevan, Republic of Armenia. As part of the closing session, the EPA Governing Board recognised six outstanding initiatives as Inspiring Practices of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

The European Cemeteries Route, managed by the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), was awarded in the field of “Cultural and Educational Exchanges for Young Europeans” for its practice “Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage.” The certificate was presented by Rui Gomes, Executive Secretary of the EPA and Director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes, to Astghik Marabyan, representing Armenia, the most recent country to join the European Cemeteries Route.

Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage

Educational activities have been part of the European Cemeteries Route’s work for many years. Among them is the ongoing Schools on Cemeteries project, which uses cemeteries as learning environments and encourages students to discover their historical, artistic and cultural heritage.

In 2026, this approach continued through activities organised during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC 2026) and the ASCE Annual Conference in Turin. Under the theme “Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage,” the activities presented European cemeteries as spaces for lifelong learning, youth engagement and cultural exchange.

This initiative highlights how cemeteries can extend beyond their traditional role as places of remembrance, offering opportunities for learning, dialogue and intergenerational exchange, while strengthening the connection between cemetery heritage and education across Europe.

Arts and Crafts at Piratello Cemetery

On 31 October 2026, a special guided tour will take place at the Piratello Cemetery in Imola, Italy, as part of the 23rd National Urban Trekking Day.

About Urban Trekking 2026

Urban Trekking is an annual national initiative promoting sustainable tourism and heritage exploration across Italian cities. The 2026 edition takes place on 31 October and 1 November under the theme “Saint Francis 1226–2026: In the Footsteps of the Essential.” This year's programme features 20 guided itineraries across Bologna and neighboring towns, including special tours of historic and monumental cemeteries.

The Arts and Crafts Event

As part of Urban Trekking 2026, the guided tour “Arts and Crafts at Piratello Cemetery” will take place at the Piratello Cemetery in Imola, Italy. Organized by the social cooperative Le Guide d’Arte in collaboration with Area Blu SpA, this family-friendly walking tour covers a 2-kilometer route over 2 hours, dedicated to the site's artistic, historical, and industrial legacy.

• Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
• Departure Times: 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM
• Meeting Point: In front of the Area Blu SpA offices at Piratello Cemetery, Imola

Participants will explore the resting places of notable local artists, including Anacleto Margotti, Tonino Gottarelli, and Amleto Montevecchi, while admiring funerary monuments ranging from Liberty style to Neorealism by sculptors like Arturo Orsoni, Giuseppe Casalini, and Germano Sartelli. The walk also highlights Imola's industrial and craft history, focusing on brick and terracotta production through monuments like the 1920s Gallotti family tomb and architect Mirri's terracotta plaques, along with stories of local figures from agriculture, pharmacy, and trade.

Booking Information

The guided tour is free of charge, but advance booking is required due to limited places. To attend the event, fill out the Urban Trekking online registration form available HERE. Bookings open on 14 October 2026, at 9:00 AM.

For additional information, contact the organizers via WhatsApp at +39 347 7425404 or visit www.bolognawelcome.com.

ASCE President at the Cultural Routes meeting in Slovenia

On September 14–15, 2026, representatives of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe met on the Slovenian coast to discuss cooperation, sustainable tourism and the future development of Cultural Routes.

Cultural Routes and Sustainable Tourism

The Cultural Routes meeting was organised within the Interreg Euro-MED ECO-SEAROUTES project, which promotes more sustainable tourism models and a more balanced distribution of tourism flows in the Mediterranean. It began on 14 September with a visit to the Gramona organic olive farm in Seča near Portorož and continued on 15 September at Palazzo Manzioli in Izola, where participants discussed the role and future cooperation of Cultural Routes.

The meeting was joined by Rui Gomes, Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and Director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes. Dr Maja Turnšek from the University of Maribor, Faculty of Tourism, presented the ECO-SEAROUTES project and moderated the discussion.

Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week

The meeting took place as a parallel event to the 11th Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week, held in Izola from 15–17 September. As part of the official programme, Rui Gomes also participated in the session “Cultural Routes in Action: Vision for the Future”, focusing on the contribution of Cultural Routes to sustainable tourism and European cooperation.

Representing the European Cemeteries Route

The European Cemeteries Route, established by the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE) and certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in 2010, was represented by ASCE President Lidija Pliberšek.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Cultural Routes with network members in Slovenia to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation and explore their role in sustainable tourism and the promotion of European cultural heritage.

Event Highlights

European Cemeteries Route Receives ECTN Award for Sustainable Cultural Tourism

On 24 September 2026, the European Cemeteries Route received first place at the ECTN Awards for its initiative Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe.

ECTN Award for the European Cemeteries Route

On Thursday, 24 September 24 2026, the 19th ECTN Conference took place in Skiathos, Greece. During the event, the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) presented the 13th edition of the "Destination for Sustainable Cultural Tourism 2026" awards. First place in the "Transnational Thematic Products" category was awarded to the European Cemeteries Route, managed by the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), for its initiative "Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe".

This award represents significant European recognition of ASCE's long-standing efforts to highlight cemeteries as a vital part of European cultural heritage and as spaces with immense potential for cultural and sustainable tourism.

About the Significant Cemeteries for a Sustainable Europe Initiative

The recognition is also of special significance for Maribor (Slovenia)—the city currently hosting the ASCE Presidency—where the initiative "Significant Cemeteries for a Sustainable Europe" began developing in 2023. ASCE President Lidija Pliberšek, M.Sc., also serves as the director of the ASCE member company Pogrebno podjetje Maribor (part of the JHMB Group).

A key foundation of the initiative is the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. Through its activities, ASCE connects the cultural heritage of cemeteries with issues of sustainability, peace, inclusive communities, environmental protection, and a responsible approach to spatial management.

Connecting Cultural Heritage Across Borders

"If we want to discover the true story of a city, we should visit its cemetery. That is where the stories of its people, architecture, art, and identity through time are revealed," emphasized ASCE President Lidija Pliberšek, M.Sc., upon receiving the award.

The European Cemeteries Route connects this extraordinary cultural heritage across European borders to preserve it, present it to the broader public, and integrate it into cultural tourism. This award further confirms the important role cemeteries can play in sustainability and responsible tourism.

"I am particularly pleased that this broader role of cemeteries has been recognized. As President of ASCE, I proudly accepted the award on behalf of our members across 169 European cities and 28 European countries," added Pliberšek.

As she customarily does during international appearances, she concluded her address in Slovenian with the words "Hvala lepa in nasvidenje" (Thank you very much and goodbye), bringing a distinct Slovenian touch to the international stage.

Free guided tours at the New Cemetery of Belgrade

On 20 September 2026, the New Cemetery of Belgrade began its autumn programme of free guided tours.

Autumn Guided Tours

JKP “Pogrebne usluge” Beograd is organising four free thematic walks taking place between September and November 2026 at the New Cemetery of Belgrade, Serbia. The tours offer visitors an opportunity to explore the cemetery’s cultural and historical heritage through stories of prominent figures buried there.

The autumn programme is taking place in a year marking the 140th anniversary of the New Cemetery, the 25th anniversary of ASCE, and 15 years since the first guided tour was organised at the cemetery as part of Belgrade International Architecture Week.

Programme

➤ 20 September 2026 – Great Loves of Serbian Greats
Exploring the love stories, relationships and personal lives of notable Serbian figures.

➤ 4 October 2026 – Twentieth-Century Writers and Poets
A tour dedicated to prominent Serbian writers and poets buried at the New Cemetery.

➤ 18 October 2026 – Theatre and Film Actors
Exploring the lives and legacies of prominent Serbian theatre and film actors.

➤ 1 November 2026 – Military Leaders and Heroes of the First World War
Focusing on distinguished military leaders and First World War heroes buried at the New Cemetery.

Each tour begins at 11:00 and lasts approximately two hours. The meeting point is the plaza by the main entrance to the New Cemetery at Ruzveltova 50, Belgrade. The tours are led by art historian Dr Violeta Obrenović and are free of charge, with no registration required.

For further information about the programme, visit the Beogradska groblja website.

Opening Tour

Watch a short video of the opening thematic walk, which took place on 20 September 2026.

Exhibition “Rasos: A Living Cemetery”

The Vilnius City Museum in Vilnius, Lithuania, invites you to visit a special exhibition dedicated to the 225-year history of Rasos Cemetery.

About the exhibition

This year marks the 225th anniversary of Rasos Cemetery, the oldest surviving cemetery in Vilnius. To celebrate this milestone, the Vilnius City Museum, in collaboration with guest curators, presents "Rasos: A Living Cemetery"—an exhibition running from July 24 through December 31, 2026, which explores the multiple layers of this historic site.

Bringing together the perspectives of historian Vida Girininkienė, architect Eglė Bazaraitė and art historian Rasa Antanavičiūtė, the exhibition presents Rasos Cemetery as a place of living memory and ongoing natural cycles. It traces the site’s development from its establishment to the end of the Second World War, explores its gravestones and their symbolism, and introduces Lithuanian, Polish and Belarusian figures buried there whose lives reflect different historical periods. It also draws attention to the birds, plants, insects and lichens that inhabit the cemetery today.

The museum invites visitors to remember, explore and help preserve this fragile habitat of memory and biodiversity.

For more details, please visit the Vilnius City Museum website.

Photos from the exhibition

*Photos by Liudas Masys.

In Memoriam: Joeri Mertens – A Guiding Light in Cemetery Heritage

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague, friend, and a pivotal member of the ASCE family, Joeri Mertens.

For those who knew him, Joeri had a unique gift—he always seemed to know what others thought, wanted, and felt. Everything he touched was infused with meaning, thoughtfulness, and purpose. As a dedicated heritage researcher at the Flanders Heritage Agency and a brilliant art historian, his presence at our annual events was always a declaration of reason and dedication. He listened and observed intensely, yet when he spoke, he consistently raised the bar for the future of heritage management.

Our time together at ASCE meetings was always precious. Joeri brought the sun into our lives. Those of us who had the privilege to share a hug, a glass of wine, or a deep conversation with him will forever cherish his vast knowledge and his cheerful smile.

Above all, we will remember his bravery and his honest fight for what is right. He was utterly respectful, yet fiercely brave—whether he was challenging us with better ways to manage and protect our heritage, or inspiring us on a personal level by living openly, proudly, and authentically. He embodied the kind of personality we all strive to become.

Though his time with us was cut tragically short, his love for cemeteries will continue to thrive and make an impact. We will make sure that the stories he fought for are preserved, captured, and told to our children. All that he did had a profound point, and his legacy will continue to grow.

The funeral service will be held at De Bonneterie (Erembodegemstraat 31 in Aalst) on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. For our international ASCE family who cannot attend in person, an online streaming session will be available so we can all pay our final respects and say goodbye together: visify.be/afscheid-joeri-mertens/

Goodbye for now, our dearest Joeri. You will remain in our thoughts for as long as we live, and we will meet again.

Music and Reflection at Piratello Cemetery

On 13 September 2026, a special event will be held at the Piratello Cemetery in Imola, Italy, as part of the Naturalmente Imola 2026 programme.

About Naturalmente Imola

Naturalmente Imola (Eng. Naturally Imola) is a cultural and environmental initiative promoted by the Municipality of Imola, Italy. The 2026 edition, dedicated to the theme “The Essential Made Visible to the Eye,” celebrates the city’s green spaces and their essential role in our well-being and our appreciation of beauty.

Programme

On 13 September 2026 at 6:30 PM, a special event titled “Fugace” will take place at the Piratello Monumental Cemetery on Via Emilia Ponente in Imola, featuring a walk through the cemetery followed by a classical music performance.

The experience will begin with a short, silent walk among the cemetery’s tombs, statues, chapels, and gravestones. This peaceful journey will create an intimate atmosphere, balancing artistic solemnity with existential reflection. Through this experience, the cemetery will take on a new role—as a theatre, an open-air museum, and a space for contemplation and meditation.

The walk will be followed by a solo double bass performance by Roberto Bartoli, one of the most interesting and original double bassists on the Italian music scene. He has performed at international festivals across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, and has appeared regularly on RAI-Radio3 programmes, including Battiti and I concerti del Quirinale.

Reservations Required

The event is free of charge, but advance booking is required. To reserve your place, please call 0542 602300 or email attivita.culturali@comune.imola.bo.it.

Poetry and music at Mühlau Cemetery 2026

On 25 July 2026, a contemplative afternoon of music and poetry took place at Mühlau Cemetery in Innsbruck, Austria, under the theme “The Moment of Eternity.”

About the event

On Saturday, 25 July 2026, visitors to Mühlau Cemetery in Innsbruck, Austria, enjoyed a contemplative and joyful afternoon centred on the theme “The Moment of Eternity.”

The programme featured music by Gabriele Goller, rhythmic drum and percussion accompaniment by Bernhard Noriller, and a mime performance by Franz Unger. Alexander Legniti and Paul Fülöp recited lyrical and poetic texts inspired by the evening theme. Participants also walked past the grave of the renowned Expressionist poet Georg Trakl, whose life and work were marked by the First World War.

With sunshine and a peaceful atmosphere, the afternoon brought together music, poetry and mime, creating an inspiring and memorable experience.

Poem

THE MOMENT OF ETERNITY
We
are part of eternity,
and eternity will last forever –
only we not – just never!
But the moment knows no bounds,
because it resonates eternity,
and that sounds
like our reality.

Legniti Alexander ©

Photos from the event