Book: "Cimiteri e dintorni. Uno spazio di dialogo tra generazioni"

A book on contemporary perception of cemeteries and their potential as spaces for intergenerational dialogue, memory, and life.

A collection of presentations

"Cimiteri e dintorni. Uno spazio di dialogo tra generazioni" is a newly published book, developed through the collaboration of ASCE members from Turin and the University of Turin.

The book was created following the international conference "Around Cemeteries: a space of dialogue across generations and cultures," which was held in Turin on May 30 and 31, 2023. The conference brought together scholars, professionals, and researchers from various fields to discuss cemeteries as places of cultural exchange, historical reflection, and intergenerational dialogue. The presentations from this event have now been compiled into this volume, offering valuable insights into the role of cemeteries in our societies.

Contents of the book

Cimiteri e dintorni explores cemeteries not just as places of remembrance but also as spaces that foster dialogue between generations and cultures. It examines how cemeteries can serve as educational tools, heritage sites, and venues for public engagement. By addressing topics such as memory, identity, artistic expression, and social transformation, the book provides a comprehensive perspective on the significance of cemeteries in contemporary society.

Book purchase

The book was edited by Esterino Adami, Antonella Amatuzzi, and Laura Ramello and published by Neos Edizioni. It is available in Italian and can be purchased on Amazon Italy.

Participation in an international workshop

In 2022, European Cemeteries Route participated in an international workshop entitled "Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Tourism".

About the workshop

The Teaching Project inaugurated with the workshop entitled “Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: Cultural Heritage, Landscape and Tourism” is based within a consolidated international network of contacts acquired with Italian and foreign universities as part of the scientific and teaching activities of the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies under the patronage of the European Institute of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.

The workshop took place between July and October 2022 with the aim to address, through a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective, the theme of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, which in their specificity represent a crucial node in the active interpretation of cultural heritage and are strategic tools for guiding processes of territorial and landscape valorization. The activities also involved the collaboration of lecturers from other universities and from numerous national and international institutions and associations, as well as public administrations.

The workshop lasted a total of 75 hours and was organized in three main modules: lectures, site visits days, and project activities.

European Cemeteries Route at the workshop

Manager of European Cemeteries Route, Mr Dušan Vrban, gave a presentation at the workshop about the added value of stories in managing cultural tourism on the example of cemeteries and European Cemeteries Route.

He also highlighted the different marketing approaches that are being implemented by European Cemeteries Route in that context and can be applied in various fields.

The topic of the presentation is also elaborated in his article in the workshop's publication that you can download below.

Online publication

The outcomes of this successful international workshop are presented in an online publication which is available for download at this LINK.

The publication intends to summarise what matured during the opening experience of the Teaching Project, collecting some reflections of the lecturers and invited guests who have offered their contribution regarding the seminar days, together with the outcome of the students’ final projects.

The volume is therefore structured into three main parts: short essays, collects a photo diary of site visits days, and students’ final project proposals. 

Development of the project in the future

The workshop represented the first event of a growing teaching project that intends to become a summer school, held on an annual or biennial basis, with the involvement of other university members of the network and open to international students.

*Source: Introduction text from the workshop publication by Silvia Beltramo, www.academia.edu 

Cemetery Tourism Study

The publication “Cemetery Tourism Study” aims to discover the model for future valorization of the Jewish part of the City Cemetery Škaljari, through the prism of cultural practice and tourism.

About the publication

The publication “Cemetery Tourism Study” was created for the needs of the pilot project of the Municipality of Kotor entitled “Rediscover, expose and exploit the conceived Jewish heritage of the Danube region” whose purpose was to rediscover the forgotten Jewish cultural heritage in the Danube region. Numerous cultural institutions from Montenegro and abroad participated in the preparation of the publication.

The study presents the historical development of the Kotor municipal cemetery, with special reference to the chronology of its development, the architecture of its chapels and churches as well as its monumental sculpture. A special section of this study was dedicated to the architectural, stylistic and chronological research of the Jewish cemetery, which is located within the City Cemetery Škaljari, and is the only one of its kind in Montenegro. The aim of the study was to discover the model for its valorization in future, through the prism of cultural practice and tourism.

The full publication is available at this link.

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