Medieval Convent Discovered Beneath Soccer Field in Denmark

Researchers found a long-lost medieval convent under a soccer field in Roskilde, Denmark. This discovery was revealed by ROMU, a state-recognized Danish museum, through a ground-penetrating radar survey conducted before plans to build an underground parking facility.

The survey revealed a well-preserved convent complex approximately one meter [three feet] below ground level.

Details from the survey highlighted remains of buildings, including rooms, columns, cloisters, and a church within the southern wing of the convent. The eastern wing showcased clearly defined rooms and vault pillars.

St. Clare’s Convent, dating back to the 13th century, was one of five monastic sites in medieval Roskilde. Unlike the other four, it was believed lost and thus not protected as a historic monument.

Excavations at monasteries and convents are rare. Jesper Langkilde, an archaeologist at ROMU, expressed surprise at the discovery. He noted the convent’s large size, measuring approximately 230 feet by 230 feet. Despite its demolition in the 16th century, much of the underground structure survived.

The convent’s remnants include the lowest portions of walls and foundations, made with large boulders left intact. Approximately 500,000 bricks were reportedly sold after its demolition, though Langkilde suggests it might have contained double that number.

No excavations have occurred yet, but archaeologists anticipate finding artifacts related to daily medieval life. Expected finds include pottery sherds, animal bones, religious objects, and items related to writing and books.

The convents and monasteries were centers of literacy and had libraries and book production.

The excavation might also uncover information about the nuns’ diets and plant cultivation in the gardens. There may be burials that could provide insights into who the nuns were and others buried there.

Langkilde noted the possibility of uncovering connections to international networks, as the convent’s first nuns came from Strasbourg.

Describing the find as significant, Langkilde highlighted the potential for enhancing understanding of Roskilde’s monasteries. The discovery reflects how much archaeological insight a geophysical survey can provide without excavation.