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.

WDEC 2024 at the Verano Monumental Cemetery

Welcome to Rome! Experience the beauty of nature, art, history, and culture at the Verano Monumental Cemetery from May 25 to June 2, 2024.

About the Verano Monumental Cemetery

The Verano Cemetery is a place that, in addition to preserving the memory and the historical, artistic, and cultural heritage of the community, offers unique naturalistic, biodiversity, and landscape riches. The ever-increasing number of passionate visitors to Verano confirms the consideration enjoyed by this open-air park-museum, where you can walk immersed in nature and art, take a bike ride, move slowly in silence and contemplation, and discover surprising stories. It is not just a place of burial and memory, but a refuge and comfort zone offering environmental, physical, and spiritual well-being for communities, citizens, and tourists.

WDEC program: "Strolls through Memories", recitations and special events

Experience 12 free cultural events at Verano, spread over four days, each offering different thematic paths. Every day, the schedule features three events, some of which are enhanced by a unique blend of storytelling, acting, listening to musical pieces on headphones, and engaging with the voices of characters encountered along the routes.

► Saturday, 25 May

10.00: The City of Verano. Three generations of architects and urban planners
11.00: Inaugural event. Voices in the Wind. An audio guide for the Verano
12.00: Italian Theater, from stage to TV. Conducted and performed by actress Sabina Barzilai

► Sunday, 26 May

10.00: Rome and the stories on Cinema
11.00: The Seven Arts at Verano
12.00: Faces and Memories of Rome

► Saturday, 1 June

10.00: Urban trekking. Nature, history and landscape at the Verano Monumental Cemetery
11.00: Audacious Women. Stories of unique women from the Roman Republic to the Italian Republic
12.00: Italian Theater, from stage to TV. Conducted and performed by actress Sabina Barzilai

► Sunday, 2 June

10.00: Twentieth century. The passions of women and men of the "short century"
11.00: Audacious Women. Stories of unique women from the Roman Republic to the Italian Republic
12.00: Urban trekking. Nature, history and landscape at the Verano Monumental Cemetery

About the inaugural event "Voices in the wind" (25 May)

It is a PCTO project (paths for transversal skills and orientation) of the students of the Istituto Superiore Statale Cine Tv Rossellini, managed by the Io Sono Aps Association, winner of the Public Notice promoted by Roma Capitale in collaboration with Zètema Progetto Cultura and AMA Capitoline Cemeteries.

The audio guide, created by the students of the Rossellini Institute and based on texts and historical research by Alessandra Evangelisti, Federica Chiusole, and Cristina Cassese, is an exciting multi-voiced story that will accompany visitors in discovering parts of Verano. The audio guide will be permanently available to the public free of charge. Visitors can use it on their smartphones with an active internet connection and earphones by scanning the QR code located at the Verano Cemetery entrance.

About the Urban trekking event (1-2 June)

The Verano as a landscape asset is a synthesis of nature, history, and architecture. Enjoy an evocative walk through the greenery, encountering the most important and centuries-old botanical species, guided by a technician from the Environmental Protection Department of Rome Capital and an art historian.

About the Audacious Women event (1-2 June)

Italian Republic Day is celebrated in memory of outstanding women whose lives were defined by radical and emancipatory choices, transcending conventions and proposing new models of female identity. These women were unique for their heroism, civil and social commitment, and cultural legacy. The guided tour is enriched by readings recited by the actress Sabina Barzilai and music played through headphones.

Additional information

• “Strolls through Memories" are guided tours that take place on foot and last 2 hours.
• They are conducted by specialized guides and are audio-assisted using microphones and earphones.
• All scheduled initiatives are free of charge with reservations required.
• For information, insights and reservations click HERE.

Discover more

• Find out more in the Verano cultural visits web app - itinerary maps and brochures, biographical insights and photo gallery.
• Follow us on the AMA. Culture at Verano YouTube channel.
• Visit Verano with the APP ARTOUR. 

30th EAA Annual Meeting: Call for papers

The Iron Age Danube Route invites you to participate in their session at the 30th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists in Rome, Italy.

About the event

The Iron Age Danube Route is organizing a session in the scope of the 30th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists, taking place from 28 to 31 August 2024 in Rome, Italy.

The session's theme is "The Living Heritage: Archaeological Cultural Routes in the Context of Cultural Tourism Network".

The purpose of the session is to discuss the potential of archaeological heritage in fostering cultural tourism and creating sustainable cultural resources for local communities. It will highlight the challenges in effectively integrating archaeological sites into tourism, emphasizing the need for long-term sustainability at the local level. Furthermore, the session aims to explore ways in which archaeological cultural routes, particularly those under the Council of Europe, can contribute to long-term partner and stakeholder networks. 

Experts from diverse fields are expected to share theoretical models, approaches, and examples of good practices in developing cultural tourism products based on archaeological heritage.

Details about the session are available HERE.

Call for papers

Anyone who would like to participate in the session is invited to submit their presentation abstract at the EAA website.

Deadline for abstract submission is 8 February 2024.

For any additional questions please contact Mrs. Marta Rakvin at ironagedanuberoute@gmail.com.

*Photo source: www.e-a-a.org/eaa2024

Vacancy for Director of the The Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome

The Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome is seeking a director. Applications deadline is July 11, 2022.

The Non-Catholic Cemetery for Foreigners in Rome is seeking a DIRECTOR

The Director of the Non-Catholic Cemetery for Foreigners in Rome will be responsible for managing the funerary activity of an active burial-ground which is also widely recognised as a historic site of great cultural significance.

Main functions

The main functions are: organisation of funerals, burials and commemorations, and planning and implementation of a long-term strategy; administration, human resource management, site maintenance and protection, visitor management and external relations. The Director reports to the President of the Assembly of Ambassadors which is responsible for the Cemetery, and to the Advisory Committee.

Conditions

The following are required: experience of financial management in a cultural organisation, excellent knowledge of written and spoken Italian and English, strong skills in interpersonal relationships, good computer skills, ability to work independently and to delegate and coordinate with consultants as required, and above all integrity, enthusiasm and empathy.

The terms and conditions of employment will be reviewed with successful applicants.

Application procedure

Further details for submitting applications should be requested from vacancy@cemeteryrome.it
Deadline for submitting applications is midnight 11 July 2022.

Job starting date: 1 January 2023.

Il Cimitero Acattolico per Stranieri di Roma cerca DIRETTORE

Al Direttore del Cimitero Acattolico per Stranieri di Roma spetta la gestione dell'attività funeraria di un attivo cimitero, ampiamente riconosciuto anche come luogo storico di grande rilevanza culturale.

Funzioni principali

Le funzioni principali sono: organizzazione di funerali, sepolture e commemorazioni e pianificazione e attuazione di una strategia a lungo termine; amministrazione, gestione delle risorse umane, manutenzione e protezione del sito, gestione dei visitatori e relazioni esterne. Il Direttore riporta al Presidente dell'Assemblea degli Ambasciatori che è responsabile del Cimitero, e al Comitato Consultivo.

Condizioni

Sono richiesti: esperienza di gestione finanziaria in un'organizzazione culturale, ottima conoscenza della lingua italiana e inglese scritta e parlata, spiccate capacità nelle relazioni interpersonali, buone competenze informatiche, capacità di lavorare in autonomia e di delegare e coordinarsi con consulenti secondo necessità, e soprattutto tutta integrità, entusiasmo ed empatia.

I termini e le condizioni di lavoro saranno esaminati con i candidati prescelti.

Procedura di domanda

Maggiori dettagli per la presentazione delle domande devono essere richiesti a vacancy@cemeteryrome.it
Il termine per la presentazione delle domande è la mezzanotte dell'11 luglio 2022.

Data di inizio del lavoro: 1 gennaio 2023.

WDEC in Rome (Verano Monumental Cemetery), Italy

#EuropeForCulture. Within the framework of the European Year of Cultural Heritage, AMA Cimiteri Capitolini, the municipal company that manages the cemeteries of Rome, including the Verano Monumental Cemetery, joins the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries, promoted by the ASCE, with the program of cultural paths about cinema, theater and visual arts.

WDEC in Rome (Verano Monumental Cemetery), Italy

#EuropeForCulture From May 28 to June 3 2018, events and cultural activities will be held at the Documentation Center of the Verano Monumental Cemetery. The Documentation Center, set up at the entrance of the Verano Monumental Cemetery, will be open from Monday 28 May to Sunday 3 June, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m..

Maciachini’s commemorative stamp

A commemorative postage stamp to celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of Maciachini’s birth was commisioned by Poste Italiane and printed by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato in Rome. 

WDEC2016 in Rome, Monumental Cemetery of Verano

The Week of Discovering European Heritage in the Monumental Cemetery of Verano in light of 70th anniversary of Italy.

A theatrical performance at the Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome

On 23th June 2016, a theatrical performance will take place in the Cemetery Chapel at the Non-Catholic Cemetery in Rome.

At the foot of the Pyramid: 300 years of the Cemetery for Foreigners in Rome

From 23th September to 13th November 2016, an exhibition will take place in Rome to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Non-Catholic Cemetery.

WDEC 2015 - events at Verano Monumental Cemetery

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Superintendence of Cultural Heritage of Rome has organized two concerts at the Verano Monumental Cemetery.

WDEC 2015 - Guided tours at Verano Monumental Cemetery

During the Week of discovering European Cemeteries 2015, 12 interesting guided tours will take place at Verano Monumental Cemetery (Rome, Italy).

WDEC 2014 in Rome - Verano Monumental Cemetery

Check out the extensive program of events that will take place in Verano Monumental Cemetery in Rome during the Week of discovering European Cemeteries.

Marble splinters, Ruins and Remains – To Not Forget

70th Anniversary of the Bombardment of San Lorenzo

WDEC 2013 in Rome | Verano Monumental Cemetery

On the occasion of the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2013 AMA-Cimiteri Capitolini and Municipal Bureau of Cultural Heritage in Rome – Centre for the Documentation of Historic Roman Cemeteries hold several Guided Tours and a lot of other activities to help you explore the Verano Monumental Cemetery in Rome.

Launch of the book "Lo splendore della forma. La scultura negli spazi della memoria" in Rome

On Thursday 24 January 2013, h. 5 pm, Mauro Felicori and Franco Sborgi present the proceedings of ASCE Annual General Meeting held in Verona in 2006 ("Lo splendore della forma. La scultura negli spazi della memoria").

Closure of the WDEC 2012 in Rome

The program WDEC 2012 in Rome, organized by AMA Cimiteri Capitolini, hosted 12 guided tours in the Verano Monumental Cemetery

WDEC: events in Rome, Verano Monumental Cemetery

The programme of the WDEC 2012 in Rome, promoted by AMA-Cimiteri Capitolini, holds several Guided Tours to help you explore the Verano Monumental Cemetery. Find Tour that match your interests, and plan your time during week end on June 9th and 10th.

All tours are free and will start from the “Guided Tours Info Point”, within cemetery, next to the mail entrance, in Verano’s Square.

Further informations on the website www.cimitericapitolini.it

WDEC events calendar

About Verano Monumental Cemetery

The Non-Catholic Cemetery (Rome, Italy)

Rome's Non-Catholic Cemetery contains possibly the highest density of famous and important graves than anywhere else in the world.

About the cemetery

This cemetery is the final resting-place of many important persons, such as poets Shelley and Keats, of many painters, sculptors and authors, a number of scholars, several diplomats, Goethe's only son, and Antonio Gramsci, a founding father of European Communism, to name only a few.

The Non-Catholic Cemetery for Foreigners in Testaccio, Rome (to give it its full name) is also widely known as the Protestant Cemetery although it contains the graves of many Orthodox Christians, Jews, Muslims and other non-Christians. It is one of the oldest burial grounds in continuous use in Europe, having started to be used around 1730. It was also referred to in the past as ‘The English Cemetery’ because of the many English people buried there.

It is hard to think of another urban site quite so glorious. Its towering cypress trees and abundant flowers and greenery shelter a heterogeneity of elaborate and eclectic graves and monuments, nestled on a slope in the shadows of the Pyramid of Cestius (dated between 18 and 12 B.C.) and adjacent to a section of Rome's ancient Aurelian wall.

"It might make one in love with death, to think that one should be buried in so sweet a place," wrote Shelley, not long before he drowned and was buried here.

Throughout the 19th century and into the 20th, the little Cemetery was something like a pilgrimage site, revered by authors. Daisy Miller, the heroine of Henry James's eponymous novella, was buried there. After an audience with Pope Pius IX in 1877, Oscar Wilde visited the Cemetery, proclaiming it "the holiest place in Rome." 

The Cemetery is a private one but is operated in accordance with national and municipal regulations concerning cemeteries and historic sites. A board of foreign ambassadors resident in Rome is ultimately responsible for its operations (Governance and Funding). Burials continue to be made today of those who qualify. Other than income derived from burial and tomb maintenance fees, we are dependent on donations, fundraising and volunteers to keep the Cemetery the tranquil and beautiful place that it is.

Tourist information

Group Visits 

The Non-Catholic Cemetery welcomes group visits. For organisational reasons we ask you to please email the Cemetery on ornella.forte@cemeteryrome.it at least a week in advance to book your visit specifying where the group is from, name and contact details of group leader/guide, date and time of visit and approximate number of people.

Groups are kindly asked to leave a donation of at least 3,00 EUR per person. All donations go towards the upkeep of this important historical site.

Guided Tours 

The Cemetery can provide a guide in Italian, English or German for groups of 5 to 20 people. The tours last approximately one hour. Please book your tour at least a week in advance as described above.

For guided tours kindly leave a donation of 6,00 EUR per person (for schools 3,00 EUR per person). All donations go towards the upkeep of this important historical site.

Notes for group leaders 

Group leaders should read the Regulations for Visitors and make sure their group members abide by these. If you book a tour and need to cancel or think you might be late, please call the Cemetery as soon as possible.

On arrival please report first to the Visitors’ Centre to leave donations and gather further information.

You are reminded that the ground in the Cemetery is uneven – comfortable shoes are a must! Toilets are available but there are no refreshment facilities – there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the nearby Testaccio area a few minutes walk from the site. To plan your tour better, you might like to consult the map of the Cemetery. To find out about our latest activities see our Newsletters. If you would like to support the Cemetery click on Friends or become a Volunteer.

There is an excellent view of the Pyramid of Cestius from the site, but it is not possible to access the pyramid from the Cemetery.

Cemetery address

Cimitero Acattolico
Via Caio Cestio, 6
00153 Roma
Italy

Contacts

Tel: + 39 06 574 1900
Fax: + 39 06 574 1320
Email:mail@cemeteryrome.it
Website: www.cemeteryrome.it

Main entrance address

Via Caio Cestio, 6
00153 Roma

Opening hours

Monday - Saturday: 9.00 - 17.00
(last entrance at 16.30)

Sundays and public holidays: 9.00-13.00
(last entrance at 12.30)

How to get there

Buses
3-75-23-60-95-280-30-175

Metro
Underground B line to Piramide

Verano Monumental Cemetery (Rome, Italy)

The name verano refers to the Ancient Roman "campo dei Verani" that was located in that area and contained ancient Christian catacombs.

About the cemetery

The project for the municipal cemetery in Rome first surfaced during Napoleon's times. Works then began in 1811 in the selected area, close to the Basilica of San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura (outside the city wall), a plot that originally belonged to the Verani family. In 1859 additional works began, on the basis of a plan by Virginio Vespignani. Overall, the aspect of the Cemetery is typified by the original XIX century structure by Vespignani (gateway, Quadriportico and Chapel), that are matched, in terms of architectural and urban quality, by the remarkable structures of the Pincetto vecchio and the Pincetto nuovo, with especially valuable items from the last decades of the XIX century onwards.

The cemetery hosts several works by major Roman and Italian architects and sculptors, such as G. Koch, Pio and Marcello Piacentini, G. Monteverde, E. Ximenes, P. Canonica, E. Ferrari, D. Cambellotti. The series of XIX century funerary portraits by Filippo Severati are especially interesting, due to the originality of materials and their inherent quality: they are painted on lava and represent an important gallery of the affluent Roman bourgeoisie, who, as clients, required artefacts up to their role.

Address

Verano Monumental Cemetery
Record and Research Centre
Piazzale del Verano
I - 00100 Roma

Email: infodocumentazioneverano@comune.roma.it
Web: www.comune.roma.it

Tourist Information Office

APT - Roma Via Parigi, 11
00185 Roma

Phone: +39 06 488991
Fax: + 39 06 4819316
Email: info@aptroma.com

Tourist information

www.romaturismo.it (Tourist info)
www.comune.roma.it (City portal)
www.adr.it (Airport)
www.trenitalia.it (Italian railways)
www.atac.roma.it (City buses)