CWGC Heritage Days Debut in Italy

On 27–28 September 2025, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission proudly hosted the first-ever edition of CWGC Heritage Days in Italy, marking a milestone in public engagement and remembrance. 

Held as part of the official programme of the Giornate Europee del Patrimonio, the weekend featured three events across Rome and the Asiago Plateau, drawing hundreds of participants and setting new records for attendance.

Rome War Cemetery Open Day

Saturday morning saw a special open day at the Rome War Cemetery, where CWGC colleagues Claudia Scimonelli and Luigi Salerno led two guided tours. 

The response was overwhelming, with approximately 140 attendees throughout the day, making it the most visited open day ever held at Rome War Cemetery. 

The event was supported by the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Directorate of Museums for the Lazio region.

“Tra Corsa e Storia” Conference in Cesuna

On Saturday evening, attention shifted to Cinema Teatro ‘Palladio’ in Cesuna (Vicenza), where we presented the work of the CWGC and the history of the cemeteries on the Asiago Plateau. The conference, titled Tra Corsa e Storia (“Between Running and History”), served as a poignant prelude to the following day’s inaugural Trail Run.

Commonwealth War Cemeteries Trail Run – Asiago Plateau

Sunday’s highlight was the first edition of the Commonwealth War Cemeteries Trail Run, organised by Trail Running 7C in collaboration the Directorate of Museums for the Veneto region. The event exceeded all expectations:

• 150 athletes ran the 30km route
• 190 participated in the 15km route
• 160 joined the 7km historical walk
• Over 800 people attended along the route

The trail passed through four CWGC cemeteries: Boscon British Cemetery, Barenthal Military Cemetery, Magnaboschi British Cemetery, and Granezza British Cemetery.  

CWGC pop-up points were set up at key locations, including the race start/finish, the ‘pasta party’ hall, the awards podium, and the refreshment station at Magnaboschi Cemetery. 

Athletes and visitors alike expressed deep emotion at running past the British war cemeteries, with several winners sharing heartfelt reflections during the prize-giving ceremony. 

The event received strong media coverage and is set to become an annual tradition, with organisers already planning to welcome 1,000 participants next year.