Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 2.30 p.m.
Meeting point: Museum entrance
In the Middle Ages, the Klingental monastery had an extensive garden known for its variety of medicinal plants. Many Basel residents sought advice and relief for their ailments here. But the monastery garden was much more than an open-air pharmacy. On this guided tour, you will immerse yourself in the world of so-called Marian plants. In medieval thought, Mary was not only the Queen of Heaven, but also the guardian of the garden and was often depicted surrounded by a paradisiacal sea of flowers. Plants such as columbine, peony, violet, Madonna lily, milk thistle and wild strawberry were associated with her. Find out about the stories, symbols and pagan roots behind these Marian plants. The tour is complemented by a few selected, partly forgotten medicinal plants, which are explored with all your senses and a short excursion into the theory of signatures. At the end, as always, a refreshing drink made from boar's rue awaits you.
Guide: Barbara Erath, herbalist and cook
Duration: 90 minutes
Price: CHF 10.-/7.-
Note: The tour takes place outside in all weathers.
Meeting point: Museum entrance
In the Middle Ages, the Klingental monastery had an extensive garden known for its variety of medicinal plants. Many Basel residents sought advice and relief for their ailments here. But the monastery garden was much more than an open-air pharmacy. On this guided tour, you will immerse yourself in the world of so-called Marian plants. In medieval thought, Mary was not only the Queen of Heaven, but also the guardian of the garden and was often depicted surrounded by a paradisiacal sea of flowers. Plants such as columbine, peony, violet, Madonna lily, milk thistle and wild strawberry were associated with her. Find out about the stories, symbols and pagan roots behind these Marian plants. The tour is complemented by a few selected, partly forgotten medicinal plants, which are explored with all your senses and a short excursion into the theory of signatures. At the end, as always, a refreshing drink made from boar's rue awaits you.
Guide: Barbara Erath, herbalist and cook
Duration: 90 minutes
Price: CHF 10.-/7.-
Note: The tour takes place outside in all weathers.
This text was translated by an AI.
