WDEC 2026 at the Cemetery of the March Revolution

Explore the history of the 1848 revolution through guided tours at the Cemetery of the March Revolution in Berlin, Germany, on 30–31 May 2026.

About the event

The Cemetery of the March Revolution is a silent witness to one of Berlin’s most turbulent periods. In March 1848, the city rose up against authoritarian rule, demanding constitutional rights, freedom of the press, and social justice. Many of those who lost their lives in the barricade battles were laid to rest here, turning this place into a living monument to their courage and vision.

During this guided tour, we will:

• Uncover the history of the cemetery: Why was it established, and what does it symbolize?
• Meet the revolutionaries: Who were the people buried here, and what did they fight for?
• Explore the legacy of 1848: How did the events of that year shape Berlin and Europe, and what lessons do they hold for us today?

Led by Paul Schmitz, a historian with forum 1848, this tour combines historical insight with personal storytelling. Whether you’re a history buff, a student, or simply curious, this is your chance to connect with a pivotal moment in Berlin’s past.

Dates, location and booking

During the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries, two guided walks will take place at the Cemetery of the March Revolution:

• 30 May 2026 at 11:00 am (booking here)
• 31 May 2026 at 4:30 pm (booking here)

This special event is organised by forum 1848. Admission is free, but booking is required.

WDEC 2025 in Berlin

Explore the program of events taking place at various cemeteries in Berlin during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2025 and later on.

23-24 May 2025

Be the first bird - Bird listening at St. Elisabeth II

• About the event: A nature education program for families, including an overnight stay.
• Schedule: Friday, 23 May at 17:00 to Saturday, 24 May at 08:00
• Location: Cemetery Chapel of St. Elisabeth II
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

23 May 2025

JAMES TURRELL - Light Art Presentation

• About the event: An art exhibition accompanied by an introductory lecture in German and English, held from Friday to Sunday at sunset (start times vary).
• Schedule: Friday, 23 May at 20:45
• Location: Dorotheenstädt Cemetery I
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

24 May 2025

For all eternity - A tour of the Dorotheenstädt Cemetery

• About the event: A guided tour exploring the history and significance of one of Berlin’s most renowned cemeteries.
• Schedule: Saturday, 24 May from 11:00 to 13:00
• Location: Dorotheenstädt Cemetery I
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

30-31 May 2025

Be the first bird - Bird listening at St. Elisabeth II

• About the event: A nature education program for families, including an overnight stay.
• Schedule: Friday, 30 May at 17:00 to Saturday, 31 May at 08:00 
• Location: Cemetery Chapel of St. Elisabeth II
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

31 May 2025

JAMES TURRELL - Light Art Presentation

• About the event: An art exhibition accompanied by an introductory lecture in German and English, held from Friday to Sunday at sunset (start times vary).
• Schedule: Saturday, 31 May at 20:45
• Location: Dorotheenstädt Cemetery I
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

1 June 2025

Guided tour of the Dorotheenstädt Cemetery

• About the event: Discover the stories and resting places of notable figures on a guided tour through this historic cemetery.
• Schedule: Sunday, 1 June at 15:00
• Location: Dorotheenstädt Cemetery I
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

More to come

Additional events are published on the website of the Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center: https://evfbs.de.

WDEC 2024 at cemeteries in Berlin

Explore the varied program of events that will take place in different cemeteries in Berlin in May and June 2024.

Friday, May 24th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Saturday, May 25th

➤ Herbal tours with Silke Schoppe
Location: Old Cemetery St. Marien – St. Nikolai
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Sound in the light - Music at the blue hour
Location: Chapel at the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Sunday, May 26th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ VHS offer: Birdwatching tour at Bergmannstrasse cemeteries
Location: Trinity Cemetery II
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Cemetery tours in front of Hallesches Tor with Norbert Haag
Location: Cemeteries at Hallesches Tor
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Tuesday, May 28th

➤ Nature-based after-work walk with NABU
Location: Old Luisenstadt Cemetery
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Wednesday, May 29th

➤ Guided tours of the Brecht-Weigel Museum through the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery
Location: Inner courtyard of the Brecht House
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Friday, May 31st

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Saturday, June 1st

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Sunday, June 2nd

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Guided tour of the Old Luisenstadt Cemetery with Jakob Preuss
Location: Old Luisenstadt Cemetery
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Cemetery tours in front of Hallesches Tor with Norbert Haag
Location: Cemeteries at Hallesches Tor
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Wednesday, June 5th

➤ Guided tours of the Brecht-Weigel Museum through the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery
Location: Inner courtyard of the Brecht House
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Friday, June 7th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Saturday, June 8th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Long day of urban nature - cemetery of course!
Nature discoveries and practical tips.
Location: Old Luisenstadt Cemetery
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Music from the 13th and 17th centuries - played by the Trecento group
Location: Chapel at Friedrichswerder Cemetery, Kreuzberg
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Sunday, June 9th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Long day of urban nature - Cemetery habitat - tour with Ronald Kroth (NABU)
Environmental education, nature conservation and art in the cemeteries on Seestrasse.
Location: Cemeteries St. Johannis II - Nazareth I - St. Paul
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Long day of urban nature - Rainwater management and climate adaptation measures in cemeteries
Location: Georgen-Parochial Cemetery II
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Guided tour with Uwe Lüdemann through the Cemetery Trinity II in Bergmannstrasse
Location: Cemetery Trinity II
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Cemetery tours in front of Hallesches Tor with Norbert Haag
Location: Cemeteries at Hallesches Tor
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Long day of urban nature - A paradise for bees
Environmental education at the cemetery.
Location: Cemetery Dorotheenstadt III
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Wednesday, June 12th

➤ Guided tours of the Brecht-Weigel Museum through the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery
Location: Inner courtyard of the Brecht House
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Friday, June 14th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Saturday, June 15th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ The art of farewell - Art therapy for those who mourn
Location: Cemetery Chapel at Friedrichswerder Cemetery, Kreuzberg
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Sunday, June 16th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Cemetery tours in front of Hallesches Tor with Norbert Haag
Location: Cemeteries at Hallesches Tor
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Wednesday, June 19th

➤ Guided tours of the Brecht-Weigel Museum through the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery
Location: Inner courtyard of the Brecht House
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Friday, June 21st

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Cemetery night at Sophien II
Cultural program and illuminations until sunset.
Location: Cemetery Sophien II
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Unveiling the restored grave complexes in Kreuzberg cemeteries

On April 9, 2024, a wonderful celebration and opening took place at the Alter Luisenstädtischer and Dreifaltigkeit II cemetery in Berlin, Germany.

About the event

On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the Evangelischer Friedhofsverband Berlin Stadtmitte unveiled the results of completed restoration work on two remarkable historical grave complexes in the Kreuzberg cemeteries on Bergmannstrasse, along with their innovative repurposing concepts.

Superintendent Dr. Silke Radosh-Hinder dedicated the monumental grave site of the Löblich-Liebau Family at Alter Luisenstädtischer Cemetery to serve as an open-air chapel for funeral services.

The Kunzemann-Bornhagen Mausoleum, meticulously restored in the Dreifaltigkeit II Cemetery, now functions as a mourning farewell room. Here, relatives can spend precious additional time in a dignified ambiance bidding farewell to their departed loved ones.

Funding for these restoration projects was provided by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media (BKM), the Berlin State Monuments Office (LDA), and the German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD), along with contributions from the Evangelischer Friedhofsverband of Berlin Stadtmitte.

Event photos:

ASCE at International Tourism Fare in Berlin

Presented at the stand of Kulturrouten des Europarats in Deutschland.

ASCE at the Open Day in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany

On the 25th of August there will be an "Open Day in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany" in Berlin.

St. Nicholas and St. Mary Cemetery (Berlin, Germany)

St. Nicholas and St. Mary Cemetery is devided in the old and new part, named St. Nicholas and St. Mary Cemetery I and St. Nicholas and St. Mary Cemetery II.

About the cemetery

The St. Nicholas and St. Mary Cemetery I is located in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district of Pankow. It is right on the Prenzlauer Allee and is the final resting place for the parishioners of Mary and St. Nicholas' Church.

The opening of this cemetery dates back to the year 1802. At that time, however, the cemetery covered only a very small area, so that an extension was necessary already in 1814 and then again in 1847. This area is referred to as the Old Cemetery of St. Nicholas and St. Mary's church.

Another acquisition in 1858, covered the area of Prenzlauer Allee No. 7, which today is the St. Nicholas and St. Mary Cemetery II or the New Cemetery of St. Nicholas and St. Mary's church.

Together, the two cemeteries comprise an area of approximately 65,000 square meters.

Cemetery address

Prenzlauer Allee 1 / Prenzlauer Allee 7
10405 Berlin
Germany

Cemeteries at Hallesches Tor (Berlin, Germany)

This cemetery complex consists of six cemeteries that were established at the beginning of the 18th century, at that time still outside the city gates.

About the cemetery

The Cemeteries at Hallesches Tor can be traced back to 1735. In terms of its cultural history, it has become the most significant burial site in West Berlin.

Among the most beautiful works of art are the heads of two women by the “Art Nouveau” sculptor Ignatz Taschner. They decorate the gravestones of the landscape painter Karl Wilhelm Bennewitz von Loefen and his wife.

The area includes a total of twenty-two famous graves, among them the poets E.T.A. Hoffmann and Adelbert von Chamisso, the architects David Gilly and Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, the composer Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, his sister Fanny Hensel, his parents and other family members and many others.

Cemetery address

Mehringdamm 21
10961 Berlin
Germany

Website

www.evfbs.de

Cemetery of the March Revolution (Berlin, Germany)

The Cemetery of the March Revolution is a cemetery in the public park in the Berlin district of Friedrichshain.

About the cemetery

It was designed by the Berlin architect Ludwig Hoffmann in 1925 and it is the burial place and a memorial to the heroes and victims of the 1848 March Revolution and the November Revolution of 1918 in Berlin.

The Cemetery of the March Revolution was restored in 1948 when it acquired the name  Märzgefallenen, and again in 1957. Today in the cemetery you can find 18 grave plates, three iron grave crosses, a stele and two grave monuments made of cast iron.

Address

Friedhof der Märzgefallenen
Ernst-Zinna-Weg 1
10249 Berlin
Germany

Contacts

Memorial Site Friedhof der Märzgefallenen
Paul Singer e.V. (Office)
Strausberger Str. 39
10243 Berlin
Germany

Email: kontakt@paulsinger.de

Website: www.friedhof-der-maerzgefallenen.de

The Dorotheenstadt Cemetery (Berlin, Germany)

The Dorotheenstadt Cemetery was established for the new Berlin parishes developing during the reign of Kaiser Friedrich the Great.

About the cemetery

The Dorotheenstadt Cemetery was founded in 1780 as the "Dorotheenstädtisch-Französischer Friedhof" (Dorotheenstadt French Cemetery) by the protestant French Huguenot community in Berlin.

It is certainly worth to visit because of the many illustrious personalities of German culture that lie buried here. On the tombstones are names such as Schinkel, Schadow, Fichte, Hegel, Dessau, Brecht and Weigel.

Furthermore, on the northern edge of the cemetery is located the house of German poet, playwrighter and theatre director Berthold Brecht (1898-1956) and his wife, actress Helene Weigel (1900-1972). They lived there from 1953 until their deaths. The house contains manuscripts, typescripts and collections of Brecht’s printed works.

Address

Chausseestraße 126
10115 Berlin

Contacts

Ev. Friedhofsverband Berlin Stadtmitte (Geschäftsstelle)
Südstern 8-10
10961 Berlin

Phone: (030) 612027-14
Email: info@evfbs.en

Website: www.evfbs.de

Tourist info

www.berlin.de
www.visitberlin.de

Old Cemetery of Twelve Apostle (Berlin, Germany)

The Old Cemetery of Twelve Apostle is one of the most important cemeteries in Berlin in terms of art and culture.

About the cemetery

The Old Cemetery of Twelve Apostle is the first cemetery of the Protestant Parish of Twelve Apostle, established in 1864 by the royal landscape architect Carl David Bouché (1801-1881) in the style of a Campo Santo. At that time, the cemetery was located far outside the then inhabited urban area.

High concentration of grave monuments with considerable artistic value, some rare galvanized bronze sculptures, iron casted fences and a visible historical tree and rich plant population characterize this worth seeing place. Here we can find gravesites of famous artists of the 19th and 20th century, for example the sculptor Reinhold Begas and the painters Anton von Werner and Robert Warthmüller.

The chapel is a new building, created in 1957 by G. Lichtfuss.

Address

Kolonnenstraße 24-25
10829 Berlin
Germany

Website

www.zwoelf-apostel-berlin.de

*Photo source: https://www.zwoelf-apostel-berlin.de/

Old St. Matthew`s Cemetery (Berlin, Germany)

The cemetery was founded in 1856. It is one of Berlin´s most significant graveyards, with more than 60 graves of very important personages.

About the cemetery

Among the famous people buried in this cemetery it is certainly worth mentioning the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, the doctor and politician Rudolf Virchow, the educationalist Adolf Diesterweg and the composer Max Bruch.

Many impressive grave architectures and sculptures are of considerable artistic value, created by architects and artist of the Prussian Empire. Some of them are buried here, for example Friedrich Drake, Heino Schmieden and Alfred Messel. 

*Photo source: www.wikimedia.org

Address

Old St. Matthew`s Cemetery
Großgörschenstraße 12-14
D-10829 Berlin
Germany

Contacts

Phone: +49 0307811850
Fax: +49 0307883435
E-mail: kirchhoefe@zwoelf-apostel-berlin.de

Website: www.zwoelf-apostel-berlin.de

Tourist information

www.grabpatenschaften-berlin.de
www.efeu-ev.de
www.berlin.de/
www.visitberlin.de/
www.bvg.de/

Cremation - Problems and Chances for European Cemeteries

Lutz Mertens from Twelve Apostles Cemetery in Berlin presented a comprehensive study and overview of the Cremation practices and Chanes in Europe.

Check out his presentation at AGM Vienna 2011.