Cemetery concessions granted up to 1957 will expire on 31 December 2026. This is the first step set out in decree 118/2026, adopted in August to address the shortage of burial niches in San Marino’s cemeteries.
The measure, drafted by the Secretariat of Interior Affairs for the regulatory aspects and by the Secretariat of Territory for the construction work, establishes a series of staggered deadlines running through 2050.
Families will be notified at least ninety days in advance and will be able to sign a new concession, transfer the remains to an already available niche, or have them placed in the common ossuary.
For concessions expiring in 2026, the costs of exhumation will be covered by the State.
Hundreds of new spaces have also been announced in Acquaviva, Domagnano, Fiorentino and Serravalle. From early 2027, expansions are planned in Fiorentino along with extraordinary works at other cemeteries.
Since 1 September, the way votive lights are paid for has also changed: the annual fee has been replaced by a one-off payment of 50 euros, valid for the entire duration of the concession.
On this matter, three Arengo petitions have been submitted, calling for the protection of gravestones and works of historical interest, the creation of areas for family tombs, and a guarantee that every family unit be allocated at least one niche to keep the remains of their relatives.
