Walls of building in Old Town date back to 1300

Archaeological investigation into the building at number 26 Unteraltstadt, formerly a restaurant, has shown that its earliest walls date back to 1300.
 
As is normal practice when listed buildings such as these are renovated, they are routinely examined by the Cantonal Office of the Preservation of Monuments, Historic Buildings and Archaeology.
 
It is in the part of the building closer to the lake-side that experts have come across the oldest materials used in its construction, namely in the remains of old walls of the three-storey building.
 
According to Anette Jean Richard, a specialist in archaeology of the Middle Ages, there is evidence of a second wooden house on the street side, which was probably built between 1372 and 1373. Thanks to carbon dating, it is known the wood for the trees was felled in 1372, just 20 years after the canton joined the Swiss Confederation which was founded in 1291. Or, for English expats, the time dating back to when King Edward III was on the throne.
 
It was around this time, in 1371, that a great fire raged through the city, necessitating the building of new walls around the town.
 
In a further disaster 64 years later, 60 people were killed and 26 houses sank into the lake. There is evidence of this, too, at number 26 Unteraltstadt, on the side facing the lake.
 
It was some 400 years later that this house “Zur Taube” began to be used as an inn and bakery. Indeed, over thirty coins dating back to the 18^th century have been found in the flooring of the house to the street side. It is assumed they were dropped by customers. Coin weights have also been found there.
 
The expert behind the renovation is Dan Semrad, the proprietor of the CSL firm of architects. For him, the whole project is very much a labour of love; he recalls swotting up for his school-leaving examinations on the balcony of the building. The owners of the building, who prefer to remain anonymous, already have permission for it to be converted into flats and a tea-room and have also put in an application for it to be used as a restaurant again. What is interesting is that, when complete, the old walls will be able to be seen.  
 
It is hoped the project will also contribute to the Old Town being livened up a bit more.