The old Capuchin monastery – in transition between religion and secularization
The project is intended to present the history of the former monastery up to the present day in two dialogical phases.
2nd modern era: “Global Ethic – World Monastery – Living Dialogue”
19.06.26, 6.30-8 p.m.
In conversation: Dr. Günther Gebhardt and Tsunma Konchok Jinpa Chodron Dr. Günther Gebhardt, freelancer for the Global Ethic Foundation and “contemporary witness” of the creation and development of the old Capuchin monastery in the early 2000s. Tsunma Jinpa, chairwoman and spiritual director of the Living Dialogue Association in the old monastery. On both evenings there will be an aperitif and further discussions with the participants.
Reading of the historical Lake Constance novel “Flüsterzeit” – Petra Palumbo
“Flüsterzeit – zwischen Herkunft und Sehnsucht” tells the moving story of the Manogg family over several generations. Rooted in the picturesque landscape between Lake Constance, Hegau and the Swabian Alb, the descendants wrestle with the shadows of the past and the challenges of an uncertain future. From the turmoil of the German Empire to the collapse of the Weimar Republic, personal destinies are interwoven with the great upheavals of the time. Between the southern German provinces and pulsating metropolises, the life of a family unfolds as they set out without denying their origins. A captivating novel about home, departure, loss and new beginnings and an impressive testimony to the times.
“Flüsterzeit – zwischen Herkunft und Sehnsucht” is the first historical novel by Petra Palumbo, who was previously known as a crime writer under the name Luzi van Gisteren. Petra Palumbo was born in 1973 in Singen am Hohentwiel and studied business administration before working for an international corporation in Munich for more than twenty years. She now lives with her family in Radolfzell on Lake Constance, where her father’s roots lie. Writing has been her passion since early childhood: the author wrote her first book at the age of 13. She has been teaching creative writing to young people and adults for many years, including at adult education centers and as part of literary education projects. She works professionally in marketing.
Please register:
museum@radolfzell.de
or
Tel. 07732/81-530 (Thu-Sun, 11am-5pm)
Anniversary weekend
The traditional Old Town Festival takes place on Saturday, complemented by exciting time islands and other activities. On Sunday, the focus is on historical and religious events – including a church service, procession and other special activities.
The weekend was deliberately chosen because September 13 is the anniversary of the death of Bishop Radolf, the founder of the city.
Further information on the program:
Anniversary weekend Saturday incl. Old Town Festival
On the Saturday of the anniversary weekend, the Radolfzell Old Town Festival invites you to experience the historic town center as a lively meeting place full of music, enjoyment and a variety of activities. Look forward to atmospheric live music, regional delicacies, exciting offers for the whole family and a colorful children’s program. Whether strolling through the market stalls, browsing the flea markets, romping around on the bouncy castle or partying with friends – the Old Town Festival offers the ideal opportunity to spend sociable hours in a unique atmosphere.
The festival is complemented by time travel stations in the city centre and in the Stadtgarten. There, performers bring past eras of Radolfzell to life and invite young and old to marvel, discover and join in.
Jubilee weekend Sunday: New Mass
The Sunday of the anniversary weekend is all about history and faith. The day begins solemnly with the premiere of a new mass at 9.15 am in the cathedral. It was created especially for this place, this special occasion and for the people who sing, make music and celebrate worship together here. Afterwards, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the time travel stations invite you to immerse yourself in the different eras of Radolfzell and experience history up close.
In addition, exciting historical activities await you, which will be presented in more detail over the course of the year – let us surprise you!
Jubilee weekend Sunday: Minster brass concert
At the end of the anniversary weekend, the Münsterbauverein and the Münsterbläsern will be organizing a top-class festive concert.
Two top-class soloists have been secured for this concert – the trombonist
Uwe Schrodi from Radolfzell-Markelfingen and the trumpeter Reinhold Friedrich. By engaging Reinhold Friedrich, one of the world’s
leading trumpet virtuosos of our time, this concert promises to be a very special kind of listening pleasure.
Culture night
Every year on October 2nd, Radolfzell is transformed into a huge stage for the independent art and culture scene during the Culture Night.
The extensive program offers a variety of different events, including exhibitions of paintings, photographs and sculptures, music, dance, as well as literature, film and theater performances. The program takes place at various locations – from large conference centers to retail stores and small studios – so that visitors can be inspired by artistic performances throughout the city and its districts. This year, the anniversary will be celebrated artistically.
Landlord’s party
The Hausherrenfest can look back on over 300 years of tradition: it has been celebrated every year on the third Sunday in July since 1725.
The festival has its origins in the veneration of the saints Theopont, Senesius and Zeno, whose relics have been kept in Radolfzell since the 9th and 11th centuries. As a result, the town developed into an important place of pilgrimage on Lake Constance at an early stage. Today, the Hausherrenfest is an integral part of the town’s life and strengthens the sense of home and community. Many people from Radolfzell return to their home town for this event. In addition to secular festivities, the solemn procession on Hausherrensonntag with the relics of the three patron saints remains the highlight. A special custom is the Moos water procession, which dates back to a vow made in 1796. At that time, the people of Moos asked for protection from a cattle plague in Radolfzell. Since 1926, they have made an annual pilgrimage across the lake in boats adorned with flowers on Landlord’s Monday. The pilgrims are ceremoniously welcomed in Radolfzell and escorted to the Minster of Our Lady.
Music city: Lake Constance Festival
In 2026, three special concerts will take place in Radolfzell as part of the Lake Constance Festival. The first will be performed by Radolfzell pianist Cristina Marton together with the Young Classic Artists ensemble. This will be followed by an organ concert with the renowned church musician Michael Schütz. The event will conclude with a concert by the award-winning vocal ensemble amarcord.
Tuesday, May 12, 8 p.m. – Christuskirche, Brühlstraße 5a Soundscapes of Romanticism, Cristina Marton (piano) together with the Ensemble Young Classic Artists
Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m. – Christuskirche, Brühlstraße 5a Beatles, Stones and Star Wars, Michael Schütz (organ)
Sunday, May 17, 7 p.m. – ULF Minster, Marktplatz 4 RIVERS – Im Fluss, Vokalensemble amarcord
The old Capuchin monastery – in transition between religion and secularization
The project is intended to present the history of the former monastery up to the present day in two dialogical phases.
1. early time: “Capuchin monastery – Weinmayerei”
12.06.26, 18.30-20 h
In conversation: Christof Stadler and Bernhard Mayer Christof Stadler, local councillor and historian, played a key role in the construction of the old Capuchin monastery. Bernhard Mayer, born on the upper floor of the former monastery. Until his retirement age, he and his brothers continued to run their father’s wine import company in the monastery building.
Break open my heart’
An interreligious reflection on setting out, being on the move and arriving in two stages Founded by Bishop Radolt of Verona in 826, the “Radolf Cell” is still a place of prayer in today’s “Cathedral of Our Lady”. It testifies to the courage to follow an inner impulse to move on and to trust that, wherever we are, the relationship with the divine, with our inner essence, will remain. In this respect, it is also an encouragement to fail, to follow the heart and the spirit. And it is always a step into the unknown, a step into the unknown – which is only meant to become home.
” 1st station: “Setting off” 17.07.26, 18.30 hrs
An interfaith prayer ceremony with representatives from different religions in the cathedral, followed by an interfaith exchange in the Friedrich-Werber-Haus – with musical interludes.
” 2nd station: “Being on the road & arriving” 24.07.26, 6 pm
An interreligious exchange in the Protestant church/ parish hall – with musical interludes.
From monastic medicine to modern pharmacy
From monastic medicine to modern pharmacy
Michael Dohm is a third-generation pharmacist and has been running the Scheffel pharmacy in Radolfzell since 1964. In his lecture in the old town pharmacy, the pharmacist with an interest in pharmacy history talks about the development of medicines from monastic medicine to modern pharmacy. The monastery island of Reichenau is home to the famous medicinal herb garden, modeled on the “Hortulus” by Abbot Walahfried Strabo from the 9th century, a treasure that extends far beyond the island’s borders. Monasteries were regarded as centers of medicine in the Middle Ages and into modern times. Monks collected medicinal plants, produced medicines and recorded their knowledge in herbal books. With the advent of universities, the wealth of knowledge became increasingly well-founded. How did things develop here? The first documented mention of a pharmacist in Radolfzell was in 1610/11 during the plague epidemic. Franz Zangerer opened his pharmacy on Seetorplatz in 1689. A privilege from the Viennese government assured him that the newly built half-timbered house would be the only pharmacy in Radolfzell for the rest of time. After his death, the pharmacy passed into the hands of the Bosch family, who held the privilege for almost 170 years. In 1908, the pharmacy was taken over by Albert Ehrhardt. His son Wilhelm founded the Scheffel Pharmacy in 1964 and was the last pharmacist in this time-honored patrician house, which today houses the town museum.
Culture night
Once a year, Radolfzell is transformed into a lively venue for art, culture and creativity: at the Culture Night, artists from the independent scene present a varied program throughout the town and its districts.
Whether fine arts, photography, sculpture, music, dance, literature, theater or film – the Culture Night brings together a wide variety of forms of expression and makes them accessible to all. From large venues to small studios and retail outlets, Radolfzell becomes an open cultural space that invites you to discover and linger.