Founding Association of European Cemeteries Route.

The Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE) is a European network comprising those public and private organisations which care for cemeteries considered to be of historical or artistic importance. ASCE in a not-for-profit organisation with a clear and global character.

ASCE and European Cemeteries Route

For years, members of ASCE worked together on activities and common mission of preserving and promoting cultural heritage resting in cemeteries. Discovering the common symbols, stories, arts and architecture. Recognizing the European perspective and values shared beyond borders and cultural regions.

Throughout the stories of love, reconciliation, suffering and leadership, interest for cemeteries was growing. Among schools, cultural institutions and tourist professionals, cemeteries opened up to their new role. Guided tours, exhibitions, musical and theater events filled the space and started changing the cemeteries image.

Week of Discovering European Cemeteries together with other projects merged into an initiative of emphasizing and promoting the European characteristics and values of our open air museums.

Under the umbrella of European institute of cultural routes members of ASCE developed the European Cemeteries Route.

Shared values and mission with tourists in the centre

Mission and values of the route are in synergy with core of ASCE and at the same time extending it by opening cemeteries to tourists.

Those visitors who wish to admire art, history, architecture, nature and heritage in a peaceful and truthful environment of a cemetery.