Heritage officials in Switzerland have uncovered an extraordinary collection of hundreds of religious pilgrim medallions dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries, offering a rare glimpse into centuries of European pilgrimage, faith and everyday devotion.
The discovery was made by a metal detectorist working with heritage authorities in Villmergen, where the medallions were recovered from a single area. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and numerous Christian saints, the artefacts originated from pilgrimage destinations across Europe, reflecting the extensive religious journeys undertaken by generations of worshippers.
The largest group of medallions came from Einsiedeln Abbey, one of Switzerland’s most important Marian pilgrimage sites. Most depict the abbey’s revered miraculous image of the Virgin Mary. Other examples originated from the Bavarian pilgrimage centres of Ettal and Wesobrunn in southern Germany.
Some of the most remarkable finds travelled much farther. Several medallions originated in Rome and depict the city’s four Holy Doors, which are opened only during Jubilee Years, held every 25 years. Pilgrims who passed through the doors were granted an indulgence, making the badges cherished souvenirs of the sacred journey.
The newest medallions in the collection came from Lourdes in southern France, the world-famous Marian pilgrimage site that continues to attract millions of visitors each year.
Far more than simple keepsakes, the medallions served multiple religious and practical purposes. Many were worn as pendants or attached to rosaries to strengthen prayer and provide protection against illness, misfortune and evil. Others were hung over cradles, placed near crops or displayed in homes to invoke divine protection over people and property.
Many badges honoured patron saints believed to guard against specific dangers. One medallion depicts Saint Anastasius the Persian, traditionally invoked for relief from headaches and mental illness.
Another features Saint Anthony, the patron saint of lost objects. Heavy wear suggests it was treasured by its owner for many years. After the original suspension hole broke through repeated use, it was carefully replaced, allowing the medallion to continue being worn.
Researchers say the collection also indicates the wider significance of pilgrim badges in the early modern religious life. In addition to pilgrimages and important milestones (such as confirmations), the medallions were also daily reminders of the lives and virtues of the saints they portrayed.
Church officials promoted their use as well and distributed religious medallions and other devotional items to the faithful in order to promote religious practice and personal expressions of faith.
Sources : Abteilung Kultur
