AGM 2026 report

On 18 June 2026, the ASCE Annual General Meeting took place in Turin, Italy, organized by AFC Torino S.p.A.

Over 90 participants joined the meeting, including 47 members, and the members' attendance quorum requirement was reached in the second call.

The AGM was presided by Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek, president of ASCE, and all steering committee members were present or gave proxy to other members. During the AGM several things were outlined and discussed:

1.Introduction

• Welcome speech by ASCE president, Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek.

2.Presidency and Steering Committee activities 2025 / 2026

• Steering Committee meetings and sessions addressing the following topics:
• Presidency and Steering Committee activities
• Charter Development 
• ASCE administration and ECR activities 
• Projects and Future Initiatives
• Review of New Members and Significant Cemetery Applications
• AGM Organisation, Planning, and Hosting Coordination
• AGM 2025 in Dresden, Germany (September 2025)
• Nordic conference in Stockholm, Sweden (September 2025)
• 14th Annual Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Cappadocia, Turkey (October 2025)
• Seminar “Malta in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe” in Fort St Angelo, Birgu, Malta (October 2025)
• Publication of the book "Conoscere per ricordare. L'Antico Cimitero di San Pietro. Pagine della nostra storia" in Aviggliana, Turin, Italy (December 2025)
• National coordination meeting of Cultural Routes crossing Germany in Lübeck, Germany (January 2026)  
• Expanding Networks: ASCE Participation in the Women Writers Route Annual Meeting in Oslo, Norway (March 2026)
• V. Meeting of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Huelva, Spain (March 2026)
• Seminar The Republic of Moldova in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Chișinău, Moldova (April 2026)
• Meeting of the SEFIT Cemetery Cultural and Tourism Enhancement Group and visit to TANEXPO in Bologna, Italy (May 2026)
• Site-specific listening experience NEPHESH – Protecting the Shadow in Ravenna and Bologna, Italy (May 2026)
• 13th Training Academy of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Pécs, Hungary and Osijek, Croatia (June 2026)
• Project NECROMANTICO - cemetery cultural center in Umbria, Italy (June 2026, work in progress)
• Digital meeting Baltic-Nordic Cultural Routes Seminar 2026 (June 2026)

3. Financial report and budget

4. ASCE administration, European Cemeteries Route activities 2025 / 2026

• Administration and presidency work overview
• IT maintainance and development:
• Improving communications channels
• Updating members data
• Development of marketing materials
• Managing social media and other communication channels
• AGMs and Conference support
• 25 years of ASCE
• European Cemeteries Route reevaluation in 2027
• Projects support
• Cultural routes cooperation

5. ARtour platform and app development

• Platform overview and purpose
• Scale and reach
• User access and mobile app functionality
• Advanced audio and AI content integration

6. Projects and activities

• Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe:
• 2024: Sustainable cities and communities
• 2025: Peace, justice and strong institutions
• 2026: Quality education
• 2027: Climate action
• Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026: Quality education
• Schools on cemeteries
• Peace tree
• Scientific work
• Communications

7. New members and significant cemeteries

8. AGMs and conferences overview

9. SEFIT Italia memorandum of understanding signing

10. AGM 2027

• Evaluation of candidate applications, with the announcement of the AGM and conference 2027 host expected in September 2026.

10. Conclusions

• Members engaged in various debates on topics during and after the AGM, confirming the report and plans for the future work of ASCE. 

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*AGM materials

• AGM presentation
• AGM and conference photos and videos
• Conference volume (The digital volume of conference presentations is expected to be available in October 2026.)

WDEC 2026 tour and performance at the Monumental Cemetery of Turin

Highlights of the WDEC 2026 guided tour and live student performance honoring civilian war victims at the Monumental Cemetery of Turin on 5 June 2026.

About the event

On Friday, 5 June 2026, the Monumental Cemetery of Turin hosted a special event as part of the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC) 2026 and Archivissima 2026. The event was organised by AFC Torino S.p.A. in collaboration with the National Association of Civilian War Victims (ANVCG) and the Historical Archive and Cultural Heritage Office of the Waldensian Board.

Guided Tour

Starting at 5:30 PM, the programme featured a guided tour titled “La ______ mancante. Perdite e lacune nelle storie delle vittime civili di guerra” (“The Missing ______. Losses and gaps in the stories of civilian war victims”). Led by Federica Tammarazio, a prominent art historian and archivist, the tour explored themes of memory, archival gaps and the stories of civilian victims of war, in line with Archivissima’s 2026 core topic, “Quello che non c’è” (“What is not there”).

Live Performance

The historical exploration concluded with a powerful emotional impact at the Campo della Gloria (Field of Glory). Students from the Liceo Coreutico Teatrale Germana Erba delivered a moving live performance. Using the universal languages of dance and theater, the young artists brought the archival narratives to life, giving voice to those who could no longer speak and transforming historical memory into a vibrant call for peace.

You can watch the full performance in the video below.

WDEC 2026 Workshop at the Monumental Cemetery of Turin

On 30 May 2026, the "Ti porto con me" workshop will take place at the Turin Monumental Cemetery as part of WDEC 2026.

About the project

Ti porto con me nei-luoghi della memoria (“I’ll take you with me to places of remembrance”) is an artistic exploration developed with a focus on cultural welfare. The project, which made its debut at the Santa Maria della Scala Museum Complex in Siena, curated by Michela Eremita, evolves here into a collective experience in which forms of expression and well-being intertwine in a process of personal and collective discovery. Within the setting of the Monumental Cemetery of Turin — a site of memory and symbolic stratification — participants are guided through an experience that fosters concentration, regulation, and presence.

The workshop activates a dimension of listening and care through self-narration, writing, and relational embroidery, transforming a place of “absence” into a “temporary community” through shared activity. The heterogeneity of the group, based on gender diversity, enriches dialogue and emotional processing, acting as a catalyst for deep connections. The gentle sound of a harp provides the backdrop for the entire journey. The project culminates in the creation of a collective digital work, a visual synthesis of the process of healing and connection experienced by the group.

The research benefits from the scientific involvement of Catterina Seia, President of the CCW Cultural Welfare Centre. At the ASCE International Conference in June 2026, the results of this artistic research will be presented through a dedicated video presentation illustrating the evolution of the workshop and the collective power of shared memories. A QR code on a card will provide access to the digital outcome.

Event details

Type of activity: Artistic research workshop
Date: Saturday, 30 May 2026
Time: 16:30 – 18:30
Location: Monumental Cemetery of Turin (entrance at Via Varano 17/A)
Participation: Free of charge as part of WDEC – booking is required (maximum 30 participants)
Notes for participants: A materials kit will be provided by the artist. We recommend bringing something to sit on the grass, such as a yoga mat, towel, lightweight chair, or stool.

About the artist

Sara Conforti Hòfer (Turin, 1973) is a relational artist and researcher. She works in the field of cultural welfare with an approach focused on designing artistic practices that promote health and well-being. She trained at the CCW (Cultural Welfare Centre) in Turin, where she completed two specialist Master’s degrees. Her research explores the intersection between poetic vision and bio-psychosocial well-being.

The artist develops participatory processes that combine ethnographic methods and collective narratives, giving form to choral works and contemporary rituals aimed at redefining social bonds. Her practice is supported by a solid network of collaborations with public bodies, museums, and national and international institutions. Key partnerships include major banking foundations such as Compagnia di San Paolo, Cariplo, and CRT, as well as leading centres for contemporary art, including Castello di Rivoli, PAV – Parco Arte Vivente, Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, and Palazzo Ducale in Genoa.

Her work has been presented in internationally significant contexts, including the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, the One World Trade Center in New York in collaboration with the Moleskine Foundation, and the Florence Biennale, where she received the Lorenzo il Magnifico Lifetime Achievement Award.

More at: saraconfortihofer.com

Video of the workshop

WDEC 2026 at Italian Cemeteries

Explore SEFIT Utilitalia events and guided tours at Italian cemeteries during Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026.

19 May 2026 | Press Release from the Utilitalia SEFIT Enhancement Working Group

The Utilitalia SEFIT Cemeteries Historical, Artistic, and Touristic Enhancement Working Group is participating at the end of May in an interesting annual project by ASCE: the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC). This is a period, sometimes lasting just over a week, to highlight our cemeteries. The theme of this year's event relates to Sustainable Development Goal 4 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda: Quality Education.

Cemeteries are, in fact, places where it is possible to study history, learn about art, and generally delve into issues relating to local culture and society—valuable subjects for building a more sustainable future through knowledge.

With the participation of several member cities of the WG Valorizzazione (Promotion Working Group) in the WDEC project, we are fulfilling the commitments made in 2017 through the Memorandum of Understanding signed between SEFIT and ASCE for the mutual promotion of cultural activities.

The Verano in Rome, the Monumental Cemetery in Turin, the Certosa of Bologna, the Staglieno in Genoa, the Monumental Cemetery in Milan, the Certosa di Ferrara, the Monumental Cemetery in Trento, and the Monumental Cemetery in Verona are among the historic and significant Italian cemeteries that are members of the Utilitalia SEFIT WG and are participating in WDEC 2026 with various cultural activities, events, and themed guided tours. These activities are listed in the booklet, which can be viewed and downloaded from the following link:

• https://heyzine.com/flip-book/2479ba316f.html

WDEC 2026 Programme at the Monumental Cemetery of Turin

From 23 May to 6 June, several guided tours and other cultural activities will take place in Turin, Italy, as part of WDEC 2026.

Programme

➤ Saturday, May 23 | 4:00 PM
Musical Reading "From the Cantacronache to the Songwriters" by Federico Sirianni

Location: Monumental Cemetery of Turin (Field of Glory)
Organized by: AFC Torino SpA
Contact: arte-storia@cimiteritorino.it

➤ Sunday, May 24 | 10:00 AM
Festival of Greenery - Historical walk among cedars and cypresses

Location: Monumental Cemetery of Turin (start at visitor entrance)
Organized by: AFC Torino SpA
Contact: arte-storia@cimiteritorino.it

➤ Sunday, May 24 | 10:30 AM
Stories, famous figures, and curiosities at the Monumental Cemetery

Location: Monumental Cemetery of Turin (start at visitor entrance)
Organized by: CULTURALWAY
Contact: info@culturalway.it or 3393885984

➤ Saturday, May 30 | 4:30 PM
Workshop "I TAKE YOU WITH ME". In the places of memory.

Location: Monumental Cemetery of Turin (start at the entrance via Varano 17/A, fifth expansion)
Organized by: Events Office
Contact: arte-storia@cimiteritorino.it

Details about the event are available HERE.

➤ Friday, June 5 | 10:00 AM
Inaugural ceremony for the reopening of the Sacrarium of the Gran Madre

Location: Church of the Gran Madre di Dio in Turin
Organized by: AFC Torino SpA
Contact: arte-storia@cimiteritorino.it

➤ Friday, June 5 | 5:30 PM
Event for the Night of the Archives and Archivissima 2026

Location: Monumental Cemetery of Turin (start at the entrance Regio Parco 80)
Organized by: AFC Torino SpA
Contact: arte-storia@cimiteritorino.it.

➤ Saturday, June 6 | 2:30 PM
OPEN HOUSE TURIN: The Monumental Cemetery

Location: Monumental Cemetery of Turin (visitor entrance)
Organized by: OPEN HOUSE TURIN
Contact: team@openhousetorino.it or 3471789154

➤ Saturday, June 6 | 4:30 PM
OPEN HOUSE TURIN: The Monumental Cemetery

Location: Monumental Cemetery of Tuirn (visitor entrance)
Organized by: OPEN HOUSE TURIN
Contact: team@openhousetorino.it or 3471789154

Additional information

Details about the events in Turin during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026 are available at www.cimiteritorino.it/wdec-2026/

WDEC 2026 in Bologna and its Metropolitan Area

Discover the program of events taking place in Bologna Metropolitan Area during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026.

In the Bologna Metropolitan Area, there are five cemeteries recognized as "monumental and historic cemeteries of Emilia-Romagna" under Regional Law 21/2022: the Certosa Monumental Cemetery of Bologna, the Piratello Cemetery of Imola, the Casaglia Cemetery of Marzabotto, the Medicina Cemetery, and the San Giovanni in Persiceto Cemetery.

During the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026, the Città Metropolitana di Bologna (Metropolitan City of Bologna) and Settore Musei Civici Bologna (Bologna Civic Museums Sector), for the hird consecutive year, are promoting a coordinated calendar of guided tours and initiatives dedicated to historical, artistic, and naturalistic itineraries in these locations.

Bologna - Certosa Monumental Cemetery

Friday, May 22 | 4:00 PM
In the Footsteps of Farinelli and His Family

Guided tour with Luigi Verdi exploring the memorial of Carlo Broschi, the legendary 18th-century singer known as Farinelli. The journey winds through silent cloisters to discover the tombs of his family members, weaving together art, music, and society from the 1700s to the present day. Inspired by the 2026 publication "Famiglie del Farinelli e loro dimore".

Organized by: Museo Civico del Risorgimento with Associazione Amici della Certosa.
Booking: Recommended at prenotazionicertosa@gmail.com.
Admission: Free.

Saturday, May 23 | 3:00 PM
Truth or Lies?

Guided tour with Roberto Martorelli. Inspired by the writings of Basile Joseph Ducos (1819-1820), this walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site questions whether the virtuous inscriptions on tombstones always tell the truth.

Organized by: Museo Civico del Risorgimento with Associazione Amici della Certosa.
Booking: Mandatory at prenotazionicertosa@gmail.com (confirmation email required).
Admission: €10.00 / €8.00 for Card Cultura holders (cash preferred).

Sunday, May 24 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Musical Weaves in Certosa

An independent tour where monuments are paired with ancient and modern songs. Visitors are encouraged to bring a smartphone and headphones to listen to tracks suggested by a mediator. A special guide sheet will be provided at the Infopoint to help you create your own "Certosa playlist".

Organized by: MIA (Innovative and Open Museums) for Museo Civico del Risorgimento.
Departure: Historical-Artistic Info Point, via della Certosa 18.
Admission: Free.

Sunday, May 24 | 10:30 AM
Underground Certosa: An Unusual Journey

Discover the least-known areas of the cemetery, including mysterious galleries, cold underground tunnels, and hidden cloisters. The tour includes the tragic story of Radio, a young submariner, and a look at modern artworks hidden from the hurried visitor.

Organized by: Mirarte.
Booking: Mandatory at mirartecoop.it.
Admission: €14.00 full / €10.00 reduced (children 6-12, people with disabilities).

Monday, May 25 | 4:00 PM
Biographical Visit to Bologna’s Greatest Monument

Guided tour with Mauro Felicori (founder and former president of ASCE) and Roberto Martorelli. The tour traces the complex's rebirth since 1999 and its recent recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Organized by: Associazione Amici della Certosa with Museo Civico del Risorgimento.
Booking: Mandatory at amicidellacertosa@gmail.com.
Admission: Free.

Tuesday, May 26 | 7:00 PM
NEPHESH | Protecting the Shadow

An immersive sonic walk through the cemetery using headphones. This poetic journey by Alessandro Renda explores the connection between the living and the dead.

Organized by: Ravenna Teatro in collaboration with perAspera Festival.
Booking: Mandatory pre-sale at www.ravennateatro.com/nephesh-certosa/.
Admission: €18.00.

Thursday, May 28 | 6:00 PM
Certosa T900: Memory and Guardianship

A meeting with Mauro Felicori discussing a collective study project on 20th-century tombs. The project involves photographers, volunteers, and students to preserve the city's memory for the future.

Organized by: Associazione Amici della Certosa with Museo Civico del Risorgimento.
Booking: Mandatory at amicidellacertosa@gmail.com.
Admission: Free.

Thursday, May 28 | 9:00 PM
Certosa: Nature and Death

A guided walk through the 19th-century garden of memory, exploring the botany and symbolism of death. Guided by biologist Francesco Nigro, this tour reveals the vibrant "urban nature" hidden within the city of the dead.

Meeting Point: Via della Certosa 22 (Italian Military Monument).
Organized by: Associazione Vitruvio.
Booking: Mandatory at associazione.vitruvio@gmail.com or +39 329 3659446.
Admission: €12.00 (Comfortable shoes and a flashlight/smartphone are recommended).

Saturday, May 30 | 10:30 AM
A Sunset of Joyful Notes – Bolognese Arts of the late 1700s

A walk with Roberto Martorelli through the UNESCO cloisters to discover the sculptors, painters, and composers who lived during the transition from Baroque to Neoclassical culture.

Organized by: Museo Civico del Risorgimento with Associazione Amici della Certosa.
Booking: Mandatory at prenotazionicertosa@gmail.com (confirmation email required).
Admission: €10.00 / €8.00 for Card Cultura holders (cash preferred).

Saturday, May 30 | 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Adore the Stars that Never Fade – Napoleon and Murat in Bologna

A grand historical reenactment featuring the meeting of Emperor Napoleon and the King of Naples. The event includes historical groups and a special guest, Prince Joachim Murat, heir to the Prince.

Afternoon Session (3:30 PM): Meet at Ingresso Piangoloni; includes a tour and photo shoot at the Pantheon.
Evening Session (7:30 PM): Meet at Ingresso Piangoloni; arrival of Napoleon and Murat followed by group tours of historical stops.
Booking: Mandatory via Eventbrite.
Admission: Free.

Sunday, May 31 | 3:30 PM
The Certosa of Bologna: An Open Book on History

An "ABC" tour for first-time visitors, covering everything from the Etruscan necropolis to the monastery and the modern cemetery. Visit the tombs of famous figures like Lucio Dalla, Giosue Carducci, and Alfieri Maserati.

Organized by: Mirarte.
Booking: Mandatory at mirartecoop.it/eventi/.
Admission: €14.00 full / €10.00 reduced.

May 28 – September 25, 2026
Theater Workshop: Souls on Stage

A sensory theater workshop held within the cemetery itself. Led by actress Luisa Vitali and director Luca Ghelfi, the course uses the statues and epitaphs as inspiration for vocal and physical expression.

Schedule: Generally on Thursdays after closing (sunset or night); approx. 2 hours per session.
Cost: €100 for a minimum of 4 sessions.
Meeting Point: Italian Military Monument, via della Certosa 22.
Info/Booking: luisa.vitali@rimacheride.it (WhatsApp only) at +39 335 6820121.

May 22 – June 7, 2026
Exhibition: Walks in Certosa

From Neoclassicism to Liberty in Funerary Monuments | Chiostro dell’Ossaia / delle Madonne
A photographic exhibition by Artecittà-APS documenting a century of funerary art, from Neoclassical motifs to the Art Nouveau revolution.

Visiting Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

May 2026 | Free Guided Tours
Scheduled on: May 23 (10:30 AM), May 24 (4:00 PM), May 29 (10:30 AM), May 31 (10:30 AM)

Booking: Mandatory at info@bolognartecitta.it or +39 333 6917884 (WhatsApp only).

Medicina - Medicina Cemetery

Sunday, May 24 | 10:30 AM | Guided Tour
Paths of Memories from Medicina

A walk from the Municipal Library to the Historical Cemetery to discover the figures who contributed to the history of their community. During the tour, participants will receive a copy of the cemetery guide, produced thanks to Regional Law 21/2022.

Organized by: Municipality of Medicina with Area Blu and the Museo del Risorgimento di Bologna.
Meeting Point: Entrance of the Library, via Pillio 1, Medicina.
Admission: Free with reservation at +39 0516979209 or serviziculturali@comune.medicina.bo.it.

Wednesday, May 27 | 9:30 PM | Guided Tour
Faces, Stories, and Words from the City of Medicina

A nocturnal walk to rediscover the present through the forms of the past. Rice weeders (mondine), teachers, and artisans who lived through and documented the long period from Italian Unification to the birth of the Republic. During the tour, the cemetery guide (Regional Law 21/2022) will be distributed. Note: Bring a flashlight or use your smartphone light; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Organized by: Municipality of Medicina with Area Blu and the Museo del Risorgimento di Bologna.
Meeting Point: 15 minutes before the start at the entrance of the Historical Cemetery, via della Resistenza 322.
Admission: Free with reservation at +39 0516979209 or serviziculturali@comune.medicina.bo.it.

San Giovanni in Persiceto - San Giovanni in Persiceto Cemetery

Sunday, May 24 | 4:00 PM | Guided Tour
To Say, To Do, To Teach

With the birth of the new Kingdom of Italy, a gradual effort to improve literacy across the nation began, establishing a minimum requirement for compulsory schooling—initially for two years, and later extended to three. The transfer of knowledge became a way to shape independent and supportive citizens, and an opportunity to "leave a positive mark" on younger generations by nurturing their dreams and vocations. Education was seen as a bridge between people and cultures. Walking through the courtyards and porticoes of the Historical Monumental Cemetery, we will discover the stories of teachers and mentors who made Persiceto famous in the fields of music, science, literature, and medicine.

Meeting Point: In front of the entrance of the Historical Monumental Cemetery (Circonvallazione Vittorio Veneto, 24).
Admission: Full: €12.00 / Reduced (Ages 14-18): €7.00 / Children under 14: Free
Booking: Mandatory.

Information & Reservations: IAT-R PIANURA BOLOGNESE - Tourist Information Office
Phone & WhatsApp: +39 348 731 8029
Email: cultura.turismo@comunepersiceto.it

WDEC 2026 at the Cemetery of the Observance

The Municipality of Faenza invites visitors to a free guided tour of the Cemetery of the Observance in Faenza, Italy, taking place on 31 May 2026.

About the event

On the occasion of the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026, a free guided tour will be held at the Cemetery of the Observance in Faenza, Italy. Taking place on Sunday, 31 May at 10:30 AM, this visit offers a rare glimpse into the hidden history and artistic treasures of one of the city’s most significant cultural landmarks.

The tour lasts approximately one hour. Participation is free, but reservations are required via info@prolocofaenza.it.

This event is organised by the Municipality of Faenza in collaboration with the Pro Loco Faenza APS cultural association. For further details, visit www.faenzaeventi.it/eventi/.

WDEC 2026 at Verano Monumental Cemetery

From 9 May to 2 June, 43 free guided tours will be held at the Verano Monumental Cemetery in Rome, Italy, exploring history, art, architecture, nature, and sustainability.

About the programme

Spring brings a breath of fresh air that opens doors, including those of Rome’s monumental, historic, and evergreen cemetery. From 9 May to 2 June, the Verano Monumental Cemetery will host 43 free guided tours, designed and organised by AMA Cimiteri. 

Among the new features are a scenic cycling route, an itinerary dedicated to sports enthusiasts, and a special day celebrating the history of the Italian Republic, which will mark its 80th anniversary in 2026. Also worth noting are the contributions of scholars, actors, and musicians, as well as the collaboration with the National Deaf Association and the non-profit organisation Open House Roma, which aim to make this important cemetery even more accessible, better known, and open to all.

The spring events at Verano take place under the auspices of the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (22–31 May), which this year highlights the educational value of burial sites, in line with Goal 4 (“Quality Education”) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The full programme is available on the organisers’ website, or you can download the event brochure HERE.

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.

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:

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

*Registrations are closed.

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: 23. 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.

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:

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.

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

*Subbmissions are closed.

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.

Guided walk "The Piratello in the Feminine"

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

About the event

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

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

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

Location and schedule

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

Starting times:

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

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

Registration details

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

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

*Cover photo source: www.bolognawelcome.com

Theatrical performance at Certosa Monumental Cemetery

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

About the event

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

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

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

Peace, justice and strong institutions

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

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

WDEC 2026 at Florence's English Cemetery

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

Broadsheet maps

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

Treasure hunt maps and publications

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

Virtual guide

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

Severed: A Tribute to Peace

Torino, Italy, presents a moving video created as part of the WDEC 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a powerful message of peace, memory, and reflection.

About the project

As part of the 2025 Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC), Turin, Italy, has unveiled a moving video production titled Severed, reflecting on the enduring impact of war and the urgent call for peace. The project coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and aligns with this year’s WDEC theme, Gardens of 80, which emphasizes Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – the goal 16 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Severed is a collaborative effort by the Associazione Nazionale Vittime Civili di Guerra di Torino, Piemonte e Valle d'Aosta, AFC Torino S.p.A., Liceo Coreutico Teatrale Germana Erba, and the Fondazione Germana Erba's Friends. The production blends a musical performance with video storytelling, utilizing historical archives from the ANVCG, the Monumental Cemetery of Turin, and the Ossuary Monument dedicated to civilian war victims.

Featuring young performers, the video encourages reflection on the devastating consequences of war, linking historical memory with a vision for a peaceful future. The project serves as a moving reminder of the human cost of conflict, urging viewers to consider past tragedies and the continuous importance of peace and justice.

Ultimately, Severed stands out as a great example of how art and memory can combine to inspire dialogue and reflection, giving voice to younger generations.

Video:

AGM 2026: Save the date

The next AGM and Conference will be held earlier than usual, this time from 18 to 20 June 2026 in Turin, Italy.

About the AGM and Conference

Each year, the Annual General Meeting attracts over 100 cemetery academics, artists and professionals from all over Europe. It generates a lot of public attention and through the conference helps expose important topics on cemetery's history, art, architecture, cultural heritage, sustainability, management, and future trends.

AGM 2026 in Turin

Following the success of the 2025 AGM and Conference, we are excited to announce our next meeting, this time scheduled earlier than usual, in the summer of 2026. We anticipate another thoughtfully curated event featuring relevant topics and a rich cultural program, ensuring an inspiring and memorable experience for all participants.

Join us at the AGM and Conference 2026, taking place from 18 to 20 June in Turin, Italy.

A call for papers, as well as all the details about the event program, accommodation, and other logistics, will be released in the coming months, so don't forget to check our website for updates.

We look forward to seeing you in June 2026.

ASCE presidency

Naturalmente Imola 2025 at Piratello Cemetery

On 28 September 2025, a guided tour will be held at the Piratello Cemetery in Imola, Italy, as part of the Naturalmente Imola program.

About Naturalmente Imola

Naturalmente Imola (Eng. Naturally Imola) is a cultural and environmental initiative promoted by the Municipality of Imola, Italy. It features guided tours, talks, and other activities designed to highlight the city’s natural heritage and to foster greater awareness of the relationship between people, landscapes, and biodiversity.

Program

As part of the 2025 edition, two events dedicated to the theme of trees and their significance in contemporary society will take place on Sunday, 28 September.

➤ 3:00 PM – Piratello Cemetery
Event: Great Trees at Piratello
Description: Guided tour led by Stefano Tedioli, an arborist with over thirty years of professional experience, lecturer, and specialist in urban tree management. The tour will provide insights into the analysis and care of trees in urban contexts, which are increasingly affected by climate change.

➤ 5:00 PM – Ridotto of the Stignani Theater
Event: The Sun and the Moon, the Roots and the Enigma of Great Terrestrial Trees – Or How Tree-Giants Could Save Us from Time and from Ourselves
Description: Meeting with writer Tiziano Fratus. His work, inspired by encounters with monumental trees, historic gardens, and forests in Italy and abroad, has developed into an original body of thought and literature. Among his central concepts are Homo Radix, Dendrosophy, and the Itinerant Forest, expressed through publications ranging from poetry and prose to children’s literature, exhibitions, and meditations.

The events are organized jointly by the Municipality of Imola in collaboration with CIMS.

The full program of Naturalmente Imola (in Italian) is available HERE.

Reservations required

For more information and reservations, please contact attivita.culturali@comune.imola.bo.it or call +39 0542 602300.