Excavations on Reichenau: Discovery of the first monastery port planned!

Excavations on Reichenau: Discovery of the first monastery port planned!

The island of Reichenau, known for its rich history and its cultural heritage, attracts attention with an exciting research excavation. From June 24 to July 18, 2025, the State Office for Monument Preservation (LAD) will actively on the monastery island to solve the riddle around the first harbor or shipping area from the founding time of the monastery. The archaeologists hope to find evidence for this mysterious place on a site between Haitostraße and Burgstrasse, which once played an important role in the history of Reichenau. The first provisions with floor radar and drilling samples have already provided promising information: the former bank line of the island was about 100 meters further south and the bay at that time was protected by the Baurenhorn, ideal conditions for the landing of boats.

"The excavations are an excellent opportunity to learn more about our history," says Dr. Bertram Jenisch, the excavation manager who will also offer a public leadership on July 9, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. No registration is required for Interested Citizens, but it is recommended to bring weather -appropriate clothing and solid footwear. Questions about the excavation can be made on 0761/208-3587 or by email to Bertram.jenisch@rps.bwL.de to Dr. To be directed.

an important place in history

The Reichenau monastery island was a center of the Christian West around 1,000 years ago in the areas of religion, politics, science and art. The remnants from this period, including churches and wall paintings, are an integral part of the life of the islanders and still shape their traditions, including annual holidays and agricultural use. The entire island was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000, which has reinforced the commitment to secure these valuable certificates. The World Heritage Foundation Klosterinsel Reichenau is working to enable access to these historical treasures for current and future generations, as well as to establish connections to the monastery world.

An important aspect of archaeological discoveries is the variety of buildings on the island. The architecture has changed over the centuries and testifies to the religious and cultural importance of the Benedictine monastery. Particularly noteworthy are the remarkable architectural elements of the churches that come from different construction phases and thus represent outstanding examples of the monastery architecture between the 9th and 11th centuries.

the built and natural beauty

The island not only offers architectural highlights, but also impressive nature reserves that separate the former agricultural areas from modern construction areas. These areas allow a look at the original landscape of the island and its development over the centuries. Unfortunately, many reconstructions from the 19th century were largely eliminated, which led to reducing the complex historical stratification of the buildings.

All elements that express the extraordinary universal value of the island are present in the buildings and reflect the socio-economic structure of the Middle Ages. From the religious heritage, the assessment ranges to the highly valued wall paintings that give an insight into the artistic meaning of Reichenau.

The archaeological excavations and the associated public events offer a wonderful way to familiarize yourself with this unique story and to make a valuable contribution to researching and maintaining the cultural heritage of the island of Reichenau. If you have the opportunity, you shouldn't miss it. There is a lot to discover!