Unveiling of the ASCE insignia at the Old Cemetery of Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten

On 5 October 2026, the official ASCE insignia was unveiled at the Old Cemetery of Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten to mark its recognition as a Significant Cemetery in Europe.

Unveiling of the ASCE insignia

On 5 October 2026, an official ceremony took place at the Old Cemetery of Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten in Hoppegarten, Germany, to mark its formal recognition as part of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE). The occasion was commemorated with the unveiling of the official ASCE insignia at the cemetery entrance.

The Old Cemetery is deeply intertwined with the history of the Hoppegarten racecourse, a horse racing sport center opened over 150 years ago that transformed the historic rural settlement into an internationally recognized racing hub. By recognizing this cemetery as a significant cemetery in Europe, ASCE not only honors its cultural, historical, and architectural heritage, but also shines a spotlight on the rich heritage and historical significance of the wider municipality and region.

The unveiling event brought together local leadership and key representatives, including the Mayor of Hoppegarten and the Head of Marketing from Rennbahn Hoppegarten. Regional coverage of the ceremony was featured in a report by broadcaster rbb24 Brandenburg aktuell. You can watch the official video report HERE (link available till 5 October 2028).

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.

WDEC 2026 in Slovenia

The Chamber of Public Utilities of Slovenia (ZKGS), in cooperation with ASCE, launched a new nationwide initiative – the Slovenian Cemeteries Route project.

About the Slovenian Cemeteries Route project

The 2026 Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC) centered its activities on the theme of Quality Education, aligning with Goal 4 of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Within this framework, the Chamber of Public Utilities of Slovenia (ZKGS), in cooperation with ASCE, launched a new nationwide initiative – the Slovenian Cemeteries Route Project.

Inspired by the internationally recognised European Cemeteries Route, the project aims to connect Slovenian cemeteries into a unique cultural and tourist network that preserves memory, promotes heritage, and opens cemetery spaces to a wider public. By bringing together sites from across the country, the route creates a single platform for discovering and learning about Slovenia’s cultural, historical, and funerary heritage.

As part of the initiative, cemetery managers across Slovenia were invited to identify three key points of cultural or historical significance at their cemeteries. This collaborative effort brought together more than 40 points of interest across the country, showcasing notable individuals, unique monuments, and distinctive landscape features of Slovenian cemeteries.

The Slovenian Cemeteries Route app

The Slovenian Cemeteries Route has been fully integrated into a dedicated mobile application hosted on the ARTOUR platform, a network that also supports the European Cemeteries Route. The digital platform allows visitors to explore the nationwide heritage map dynamically.

To enhance the educational experience, the application incorporates innovative features, including:

• Interactive map navigation: Providing optimized routes and real-time navigation across the mapped locations.
• AI-powered interaction: An integrated AI system allows users to engage in virtual dialogues to learn more about specific historical figures and monuments.
• Customized audio descriptions: Tailored audio narratives allow visitors to listen to local history seamlessly while walking through the physical sites rather than relying solely on screen reading.

You can access the Slovenian Cemeteries Route app HERE.

Slovenian Cemeteries Route as a long-term initiative

The Slovenian Cemeteries Route Project does not conclude with this year’s edition. Instead, it lays the foundation for a long-term initiative. Through the mobile application, cemetery managers will be able to continue adding new content in the future, presenting important individuals, monuments, and memorials, developing thematic routes, and bringing visitors closer to stories that reflect the history, culture, and identity of local cemeteries.

By linking individual contributions into a shared national system, the project strengthens cross-border visibility and facilitates integration into broader European heritage initiatives. It also creates opportunities for professional exchange among public utility providers and cemetery managers, supporting the sharing of methodologies in heritage interpretation and digital documentation.

Through this collaborative model, the Slovenian Cemeteries Route is positioned to expand steadily, deepening its role as a reference point for cultural memory and reinforcing the long-term preservation and interpretation of cemetery heritage in Slovenia.

V Meeting of Managers of Cultural Itineraries of the Council of Europe

The event took place from March 23 to 25, 2026, in Paraje de la Rábida, Huelva, Spain.

About the event

Miquel Trepat, general director of Cementiris de Barcelona, participated in the V Meeting of Managers of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held from March 23 to 25, 2026, in Huelva, Spain, where he also represented the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe and the European Cemeteries Route.

The discussions focused on research, knowledge networks, scientific committees, and the exchange of information between cultural itineraries, with the aim of promoting a shared approach to European cultural heritage. Mr. Trepat highlighted that the European Cemeteries Route exemplifies the potential of cultural itineraries as knowledge infrastructures, with the capacity to integrate multidisciplinary research, specialized training, and social participation – essential elements for their sustainability and legitimacy in the European context.

The workshop was also attended by Rui Gomes, director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes.

Insights from the Certification Training Seminar in Luxembourg

ASCE president, Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek, unveiled the organizational journey of ASCE and European Cemeteries Route.

About the seminar

On Friday, June 30th, 2023, Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek, president of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), participated as a guest speaker in the Training Seminar for candidate routes applying for the "Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" certification held by the European Institute of Cultural Routes. This seminar served as a platform to introduce aspiring networks to the practical aspects of Cultural Routes, providing valuable support on their path towards certification within the 2023-2024 Certification Cycle.

Joining online, Mrs. Pliberšek eloquently bridged theory and practice, sharing valuable insights into operations of a certified Cultural Route. Shedding light on the European Cemeteries Route, showcasing its members, thematic focus, projects, and the countries involved, Mrs. Pliberšek discussed the challenges encountered, offering guidance, and highlighting the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for aspiring Cultural Route networks.

Role of ASCE and European Cemeteries Route

Participation in this seminar has served as an opportunity to reflect both on our work as representatives of cultural heritage of cemeteries across Europe, as much as our contribution to the development and growth of candidate networks, building an engaging and vibrant community of Cultural Routes. Through the European Cemeteries Route, ASCE continues to inspire and guide the dynamic community of certified Cultural Routes in Europe, facilitating cooperation, preserving heritage, and promoting sustainable cultural tourism throughout Europe.

ASCE president at a conference in Budapest

On 16 May 2023, ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, attended the Engaged Authorities Conference for Jewish cemeteries in Budapest, Hungary.

About the Conference

The ESJF’s Conference, taking place in the Central European University in Budapest, focused on the role of Public Authorities in the care and management of Jewish cemeteries.

In a keynote speech, ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, talked about the work and importance of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE) and the European Cemeteries Route project.

Other conference participants were: Mr Philip Carmel (ESJF Chief Executive Officer), Dr. Paul Darby (researcher working with the Foundation for Jewish Heritage), Mr Ivan Pohorilyak (Mayor of Perechyn in Ukraine), Mr Avraham Yishai (Head of the Legal Center for Combating Antisemitism, IJL Association), Mrs Olena Kolb (Public Sector Liaison Ambassador, ESJF), Mrs Maria Baranyi (Coordinator for Hungary, ESJF), Mr Steven Reece Ph.D (The Matzevah Foundation, Fulbright Scholar), Mrs Sophie Pownall (Assitant Project Manager, ESJF, moderator), Mrs Alexandra Fishel (ESJF Educational projects officer), Mr Andrzey Jankowskyi (former Project Coordinator at GWŻ Warszawa), Dr. Pascale Falek (Policy Officer at the EU Commission, Office of the Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers) and Mrs Kateryna Malakhova, Ph.D (ESJF Historical Researcher).

Photos from the Conference

Feriköy Protestant Cemetery celebrates its acceptance into ASCE

The event took place on December 8, 2022, in the cemetery chapel.

About the event

On December 8, 2022, celebration of the official recognition of the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery as a member of ASCE took place in the cemetery chapel.

Feriköy Protestant Cemetery Initiative members Brian Johnson and Richard Wittmann presented the cemetery's ASCE membership certificate to the president of the governing board, Kirsten Thompson, U.S. Consulate, Istanbul. This was followed by a flute solo by Johannes Regenbrecht and a singing performance by the Members of the German High School choral group. The event ended with a small reception and cake cutting in front of the chapel.

The celebration was attended by the German, Swedish, Hungarian, Swiss, Dutch, UK, and US diplomatic corps; the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery Initiative; the German High School; and Istanbul’s Robert College.

A short video of the event is available HERE and the Publication of the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery Initiative HERE.

Photos:

*Photos by Andrea Selimoğlu

First Hungarian city to join ASCE

We are happy to announce that Budapest (Hungary) will be joining ASCE.

On Friday, May 14th, 2021, the General Director of Cemeteries in Budapest, Móczár Gábor Attila, visited Maribor (Slovenia) and met with ASCE President, Lidija Pliberšek. Among other things, they discussed Budapest's accession in ASCE, current and future ASCE projects and some of the ways in which Budapest could contribute to the realization of ASCE goals and mission with its fresh ideas and positive energy.

We are looking forward to discovering Hungary's culture and the significant cemeteries of Budapest.

20 years of ASCE

For 20 years already our association has been preserving, protecting and promoting cultural heritage, resting in cemeteries. And in 2021 we will continue our journey on this wonderful path.

Some things are staying. A poem, written on tombstone. Symbol on the top of a monument. Gates to tranquillity, peace and heritage, resting at cemeteries.They remain because we work on our mission. Day by day, month by month, year by year.

Diversity and adaptation

Even in the present times, when our work is conditioned by the current situation and limitations due to the coronavirus, we continue. Each of us on their own ground, with their own tools, ideas and resources. From digital presentations of the heritage to the engagements and events on the ground, our mission was continued in the diversity of activities.

The same diversity we find at the European cemeteries, filled with religious, national, lingual, natural, artistic, architectural, historical and professional marvels. Diversity we find in the archives of our projects, AGMs, WDECs, exhibitions, guided tours, artistic events. All the amazing variations of human creativity, stories and lives we are proud about.

The symbol of our anniversary

As we wanted to find a special symbol to highlight our 20th anniversary, we discovered that any variation is just right. Any adaptation of the number, any cross or curve or color may be the chosen one. Because they all speak the same language. Language of diversity of cultural heritage, resting in European cemeteries. That’s why we chose all ideas to be accepted and used. Together or individually. Depending on the occasion and moment. Just like we are used to in the cemeteries where individual stories are part of our common story.

Future plans

During this year, we will continue the good work we have been doing passionately, enthusiastically and with dedication for the past 20 years. We will prepare and present diverse ideas, opinions, concepts and events. Enhance our cooperation on SunCemet, WDEC, European Cemeteries Route and other projects. Hopefully assembling and presenting all this diversity with a real life gathering at our Annual General Meeting.

For 20 years already our association is preserving, protecting and promoting cultural heritage, resting in cemeteries. And in 2021, we will continue our journey on this wonderful path.

Lidija Pliberšek
ASCE president

WDEC 2019. in Koprivnica, Croatia

The programme on the occasion of the Week of Discovering European cemeteries (WDEC) 2019 at City cemetery „Pri Sv. Duhu“ in Koprivnica, Croatia.

Municipal Utility Company Komunalac LLC Koprivnica, in cooperation with the Historical Society of Koprivnica and Art school „Fortunat Pintarić“ Koprivnica, organizes events aimed at enhancing the heritage existing on the City cemetery „Pri Sv. Duhu“ in Koprivnica.

This event is a unique opportunity for the citizens of our city to become acquainted with the richness, history, high artistic, cultural and antopologic works that hide our cemetery, and that the citizens of Koprivnica through this segment of life learn or remind the generations that have built this city.

The program begins on Friday, May 24, at 11:00 am in front of the old morgue in the City Cemetery. As part of the program will be set up an exhibition of photographs of "Horticulture on city cemetery “Pri Sv.Duhu” by local authors. The exhibition will be open until June 2, 2019. The opening ceremony will also enhance the musical accompaniment of the duo of violin, Art School Fortunat Pintarić.
May 30 at 5:30 pm Historical Society of Koprivnica with the historian prof.dr.sc. Hrvoje Petric will take an educational walk through the old part of city cemetery.

PROGRAMME

FRIDAY, 24.5.2019.

11:00 PM

·         Opening ceremony, presentation of the City cemetery "Pri Sv. Duhu“

·         Opening of the exhibition of art photographs of "Horticulture on city cemetery “Pri Sv.Duhu” by local authors - in the space of an old morgue

Music programme:

Art School Fortunat Pintarić Koprivnica/duo of violin

THURSDAY, 30.5.2019.

05:30 PM

·         Educational walk and acquaintance with the cemetery and resumes of the most famous persons buried on it "History in the open“ with the historian izv.prof. dr. sc. Hrvoje Petric

·         Opened exhibition of art photographs of "Horticulture on city cemetery “Pri Sv.Duhu” by local authors - in the space of an old morgue/ free entry

OTHER DAYS

·         Individual visits to the cemetery

·         Opened exhibition of art photographs of "Horticulture on city cemetery “Pri Sv.Duhu” by local authors - in the space of an old morgue/ free entry