Portugal’s 5th Cultural Week in Cemeteries

From 10 to 18 October 2026, guided tours, thematic walks, night visits, conferences, workshops and other engaging activities will take place across cemeteries in Portugal.

About the event

From 10 to 18 October 2026, cemeteries across Portugal will once again open their doors for the 5th edition of the Cultural Week in Cemeteries, a programme dedicated to the discovery, appreciation and understanding of funerary heritage.

The initiative offers a diverse programme of guided and night tours, thematic walks, conferences, study days, talks, exhibitions, storytelling, book presentations, workshops and family activities, exploring cemeteries from a wide range of perspectives, including history, art history, architecture, archaeology, nature, philosophy and anthropology.

Through this diverse programme, the Cultural Week in Cemeteries aims to foster public engagement with cemeteries as places of memory, history, art and cultural identity, encouraging new ways of understanding and experiencing these spaces beyond their funerary function.

Locations and partners

This year's edition brings together several cemeteries that are members of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), including Prazeres and Alto de São João Cemeteries in Lisbon, and Lapa Cemetery in Porto. All three are recognised as Significant Cemeteries by ASCE, highlighting the importance of collaboration between members in the preservation and promotion of European funerary heritage.

The 2026 programme also expands its geographical reach, with new partners and activities taking place in several Portuguese cities, and includes a collaboration with the Goethe-Institut's Falar sobre a morte (nunca matou ninguém) festival.

2nd Interdisciplinary Conference on Cemeteries

On 16 October, the 2nd Interdisciplinary Conference on Cemeteries will bring together researchers, specialists and members of the public for a day of discussion and knowledge-sharing at the Biblioteca Orlando Ribeiro in Lisbon.

Additional information and registration

All activities are free of charge, but prior registration is required at cemiterios.visitas@cm-lisboa.pt.

For more information, visit www.informacao.lisboa.pt.

Virtual Colloquium on Cemeteries 2026: Programme and Registration

Registration is now open for the Cemetery Research Group’s Virtual Colloquium on Cemeteries, taking place on 20 November 2026.

About the Colloquium

On Friday, 20 November 2026, a free of charge virtual colloquium organized by the Cemetery Research Group will take place online via Zoom.

The event will explore places and practices surrounding the disposal of the dead, including burial, cremation, and alternative methods.

Programme and Registration

Presentations are structured into four sessions across the day. You can find the entire programme HERE.

To attend, please use this Google Form to register for the sessions you wish to join. Access links will be distributed to registered participants a few days before the event.

Registration deadline: 13 November 2026

Future Events and Contact

For those unable to attend this virtual event, the next in-person Cemeteries Colloquium will take place in York, UK, on Friday, 21 May 2027.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Dr. Julie Rugg at julie.rugg@york.ac.uk or visit the Cemetery Research Group website.

Arts and Crafts at Piratello Cemetery

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

About Urban Trekking 2026

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

The Arts and Crafts Event

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

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

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

Booking Information

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

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

Free guided tours at the New Cemetery of Belgrade

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

Autumn Guided Tours

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

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

Programme

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video Highlights

Watch some short videos of the thematic walks at the New Cemetery of Belgrade.

Opening Guided Tour at the New Cemetery of Belgrade

20 September 2026

Thematic walk exploring the love stories, relationships and personal lives of notable Serbian figures.

Guided Tour at the New Cemetery of Belgrade

18 October 2026

Thematic walk exploring the lives and legacies of prominent Serbian theatre and film actors.

Music and Reflection at Piratello Cemetery

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

About Naturalmente Imola

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

Programme

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

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

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

Reservations Required

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

WDEC 2026 in Lithuania

Highlights from the guided walks at historic cemeteries in Lithuania that were held as part of Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026.

About the Event

As part of the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026, the Cultural Heritage Department under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania organized several educational guided walks across Lithuanian cemeteries. Aligned with this year's global emphasis on quality education, these initiatives successfully highlighted Lithuania's historic burial grounds not merely as places of mourning, but as open-air museums rich in architectural, historical, and regional heritage.

Guided Walks at the Historic Cemeteries of Vilnius

In the capital city of Vilnius, the public was invited to explore some of the country's most significant historic cemeteries. Led by historian Vida Girininkienė, a series of three specialized educational walks took place at Rasos Cemetery and Antakalnis Cemetery:

• 27 May 2026 | Educational walk “Historical Rasos”
• 28 May 2026 | Educational walk “Artistic Rasos”
• 29 May 2026 | Educational walk “Antakalnis Cemetery: Historical Cross-Sections”

Guided Walk at Panevėžys Old Cemetery

In northern Lithuania, an educational event took place in Panevėžys on 28 May 2026. The event began in the education hall of the Panevėžys Local Lore Museum, featuring introductory greetings from the head of the division, Rasuolė Kerbedienė, and specialized presentations by cultural heritage experts Indrė Baliulytė and Rasa Visockaitė.

Following the presentations, museum historians Dr. Arūnas Astramskas and Jūratė Gaidelienė led an interactive educational walk at the Panevėžys Old Cemetery (also known as the St. Peter and Paul Parish Cemetery) entitled “Memory in Cemeteries: Personal or Public?” During the walk, they guided participants through the distinctive local funerary art and regional history of the site.

Event Highlights

For more details, visit the organizers' website.

Some highlights from the guided walks at Panevėžys Old Cemetery and Antakalnis Cemetery in Vilnius can be seen in the videos below.

Highlights from AGM and Conference 2026

A look back at three inspiring days in Turin, shaped by education, heritage, innovation and memorable cultural experiences.

ASCE Annual General Meeting

From 18 to 20 June 2026, the ASCE AGM and Conference took place in Turin, Italy. The event opened with the Annual General Meeting on 18 June 2026, bringing together over 90 participants, including 47 members, who reviewed the Association’s activities and financial report, discussed current and future projects, and introduced new ASCE members and significant cemeteries.

The official AGM report and presentation are available HERE.
The digital volume of conference presentations is expected to be available in October 2026.

Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage

This year's conference focused on the theme "Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage", welcoming professionals from a wide range of disciplines to exchange ideas on how cemeteries can serve as places of learning, remembrance and cultural interpretation. Through inspiring presentations, participants explored innovative educational approaches, shared best practices and discussed new perspectives on communicating cemetery heritage to diverse audiences.

Interactive Workshops at the Cemetery

The conference extended beyond the lecture hall on the second day, when the Monumental Cemetery of Turin became an open-air learning environment. Instead of traditional sessions, participants joined practical workshops across the cemetery, experiencing it in a more interactive and engaging way. Following the workshops, a fleet of electric bicycles awaited participants, offering a sustainable and enjoyable journey back to Turin's city centre—an appreciated opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective while promoting environmentally friendly mobility.

Digital Innovation Meets Cultural Heritage

Innovation also played an important role throughout the event. Participants had a chance to explore the Monumental Cemetery of Turin using the ARTour mobile app, discovering remarkable historical figures through carefully designed self-guided (audio) routes while experiencing first-hand how digital technology can enhance heritage interpretation. This visit was further enriched by a moving live performance by students from the Liceo Coreutico Teatrale Germana Erba.

Networking Through Local Experiences

Alongside the official programme, the AGM and Conference offered several opportunities for informal networking and authentic local experiences. Participants could join a guided tour and beer tasting at the historic Metzger Brewery or enjoy a relaxed evening at the TONO Beer House. Vouchers were also provided for independent visits of some of Turin's historic cafés, each preserving its original atmosphere and period interiors. These relaxed social occasions created valuable opportunities to strengthen existing friendships, establish new professional connections and continue discussions beyond the conference walls.

An Unforgettable Gala Evening

One of the highlights of the social programme was the Gala Dinner, hosted in the remarkable surroundings of the Egyptian Museum of Turin. The evening was enriched with access to a special "Hieroglam" fashion exhibition, providing participants with a unique cultural experience in one of Europe's most prestigious museums and creating an unforgettable setting for celebrating the ASCE community.

Discovering Turin and Its Cultural Heritage

The AGM and Conference 2026 concluded with a variety of optional cultural activities that allowed participants to further explore Turin according to their own interests. These included a guided walk through the city’s historic centre, themed heritage itineraries, and the opening concert of the Feast of St. John, featuring a symphonic performance of Beethoven’s music in the remarkable atmosphere of the Monumental Cemetery of Turin.

Three Days of Knowledge, Collaboration and Inspiration

Over three inspiring days, the AGM and Conference 2026, excellently organised by AFC Torino S.p.A., brought together over 200 participants from 26 countries and combined academic exchange, practical learning, cultural discovery and warm hospitality. The carefully designed programme created countless opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and shared experiences, leaving participants with new knowledge, stronger professional connections and lasting memories of Turin and the Piedmont region.

We would like to thank the organisers, participants, and all contributors who helped make this another outstanding and memorable event!

You can access all photos and videos at the link below.

➤ Photos & Videos

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.

Highlights from the WDEC 2026 in Krakow

Highlights and photographs from the guided walk held on 27 May 2026 at the New Cemetery of Podgórze in Kraków, Poland.

About the event

More than 30 people attended the guided walk “In the Footsteps of Famous People”, held on 27 May 2026 at the New Cemetery of Podgórze in Kraków. The event was organised by the Association PODGORZE.PL as part of this year’s Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC).

Following a short introduction to the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE) and the idea behind WDEC, participants were presented with a brief history of the cemetery. The walk then continued with visits to eight graves of notable individuals buried there, including scouts, painters, and soldiers.

The tour was guided by members of the Association PODGORZE.PL together with invited guests.

More information about the event is available at: https://podgorze.pl/kolejny-spacer-po-nowym-cmentarzu-podgorskim-za-nami/

Photos from the event

WDEC 2026 at Piran Municipal Cemetery

On 29 May 2026, a special guided tour “Stories of Piran Carved in Stone” took place at the Piran Municipal Cemetery in Piran, Slovenia.

Discovering the Stories of Piran

As part of the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026, the Public Company Okolje Piran, in cooperation with the Italian Community of Piran, organized a guided tour of the Piran Municipal Cemetery, one of the most significant cultural heritage sites in the Slovenian coastal region.

The event was inspired by the publication of the new brochure “Piran Cemetery – A Journey Through Memory, Art and Local Identity”, prepared by historians Kristjan Knez and Marina Paoletić. Their research and dedication to preserving local heritage formed the basis of this activity, which aimed to reveal the cemetery not only as a place of remembrance but also as a unique open-air museum reflecting the history of Piran and its people.

A Journey Through Art, Architecture, and History

During the guided tour, visitors discovered the architectural and artistic value of eight remarkable family tombs belonging to some of the most influential Piran families. Each monument tells a story about the individuals buried there while also reflecting the artistic styles, social status, cultural influences, and values of the period in which it was created.

Among the highlights were the Bartole family tomb, known for its exceptional stone craftsmanship and symbolic motifs, and the Rota family tomb, inspired by ancient sarcophagi and dedicated to historian, musician, and archivist Stefano Rota. Visitors also explored the monumental Zarotti tomb, the elegant symbolism of the Cicogna tomb, and the artistic significance of the Fonda tomb, one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau funerary sculpture in the region.

A special part of the programme focused on the Neo-Gothic Church of Saints Hermagoras and Fortunatus, which has stood at the heart of the cemetery for more than 150 years. Participants learned about its history and the recently completed restoration of the church surroundings, including conservation work on the forecourt, stairways, and historic burial sites.

The tour concluded at the de Castro family chapel, whose distinctive architecture contributes to the visual and cultural identity of the cemetery complex.

Preserving Memory and Local Identity

Through this activity, visitors were invited to experience the cemetery as an open-air gallery, where art, architecture, history, and personal stories intertwine. The event highlighted the role of cemeteries as places of cultural memory and sustainable heritage, helping preserve local identity while fostering public appreciation of historical landscapes for future generations.

You can read more about the event HERE.

Photos from the event:

WDEC 2026 in Barcelona Cemeteries

As part of the WDEC 2026, Cementiris de Barcelona is showcasing its educational programme “Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage”.

About the programme

One of the pillars of Cementiris de Barcelona is its educational service, which works to promote Barcelona’s cemeteries as cultural assets of exceptional importance, fostering public knowledge and helping to normalize death. This mission is reflected in the programme "Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage". Although featured during WDEC 2026, the programme is not limited to this one week. Educational activities are conducted throughout the year across several Barcelona cemeteries, demonstrating the organisation’s long-term commitment to learning, cultural heritage, and community engagement.

The educational activities, tailored to various learning stages, offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich funerary heritage of the Poblenou and Montjuïc cemeteries—both classified as monumental by the Council of Europe—as well as the Funeral Carriage Collection, the Funerary Library, and other cemeteries in Barcelona. Together, these sites represent a significant cultural legacy and a collective memory shared by society.

This initiative is led by the team at Cementiris de Barcelona: highly qualified professionals committed to continuous improvement, who balance compassionate care for families during the farewell process with excellence in educational outreach. By engaging students in meaningful educational experiences, the educators foster deep respect for heritage preservation while working to normalise death as an essential, natural part of life.

By addressing a fundamental topic that remains taboo for many, these activities provide a supportive space for reflection. The subject of mortality is approached with the utmost respect for diverse beliefs, religions, and cultural traditions, allowing participants to fully appreciate the rich symbolic expressions that define Barcelona’s funerary heritage.

You can read more about the programme HERE.