Centuries-Old Treasures Unearthed in Olten's Capuchin Monastery Clearance
The clearance of the Capuchin Monastery in Olten has uncovered a trove of centuries-old artefacts. The nearly 400-year-old site yielded objects of historical significance, many hidden away in attics and storage spaces. Experts have now carefully divided these items among three institutions for preservation and study.
Luisa Bertolaccini, director of the Historical Museum of Olten, led the discovery process. She explored the monastery's attic and identified numerous intriguing pieces, marking them with Post-it notes labelled 'HMO' for potential inclusion in the museum's collection. One standout find was a reliquary believed to hold the bones of Saint Theodore, the patron saint of Venice.
Before distribution, each selected object underwent a thorough quality check. Wooden items were inspected for woodworm damage, ensuring only well-preserved pieces were retained. The division itself was a collaborative effort between the Historical Museum of Olten, the Diocese of Basel, and the Provincial Archive of the Swiss Capuchins in Lucerne. All parties worked together to guarantee the artefacts would be safeguarded for future generations.
The monastery's long history made the clearance particularly significant. While Switzerland has seen major archaeological discoveries in recent years—such as a Roman coin hoard in Bubendorf and medieval village traces in Reinach—this project focused on religious and cultural objects tied directly to Olten's heritage.
The artefacts have now been allocated to their new homes. The Historical Museum of Olten, the Diocese of Basel, and the Provincial Archive of the Swiss Capuchins will each preserve and study their share. The reliquary of Saint Theodore and other finds offer fresh insights into the monastery's rich past and the broader history of the region.
