MORTAR. Science and history in fragments

The Benedictine convent of St. Johann in Müstair has been the focus of intensive research for over a century. A three-year project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Biosfera Val Müstair, analyzed 5,000 pieces of mortar from archaeological excavations between 2018 and 2021 in order to decipher the sophisticated building techniques used in the monastery.

The results can now be seen in a current special exhibition, which offers insights into the scientific work and addresses open research questions. The exhibition takes visitors through the history of the monastery in seven rooms, showing the mortar production process and modern research methods through videos and interactive elements
.
The exhibition opened in Müstair in June 2023 and will move to the Castelgrande fortress in Bellinzona in May 2024 before being shown in other Swiss cultural institutions at a later date. Both locations are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and represent historical architecture of the highest quality.