Archaeological heritage

Switzerland is rich in archaeological heritage. Today, around 40,000 archaeological sites from all periods of human history are known, and a great many more still lie undiscovered in the ground. Four UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated on Swiss territory also include archaeological monuments. Several hundred thousand archaeological objects are stored in the repositories of museums and cantonal archaeological departments, the most important of them are on display in exhibitions.

Our archaeological heritage is part of our culture. The cultural achievements and traces of the past help us understand where we come from and thereby shape our future. They provide us roots and a source of identification.

Rich, threatened heritage

Every arrowhead, every pile-dwelling settlement, every Roman road and every early modern oven tile is unique: archaeological finds and sites cannot be reproduced and are mostly very fragile. Intensive building activity and use of cultivated land, advancing climate change, but also dwindling public resources for the preservation of archaeological monuments are currently endangering the archaeological heritage in Switzerland. As an NPO, Swiss Archaeology works together with public and private partners to protect, research and make accessible this rich heritage.

Who is responsible for archaeology?

In Switzerland, the documentation and protection of architectural and archaeological monuments is the responsibility of the cantons. The administrative location of the specialised offices for archaeology and monument preservation varies from canton to canton. An exchange takes place in the Conference of Swiss Cantonal Archaeologists KSKA, in which Swiss Archaeology also has a seat.

The Federal Office of Culture FOC, section Baukultur is committed to the sustainable promotion of high-quality Baukultur in Switzerland, protects built heritage and coordinates the Confederation’s Baukultur-related activities.

Furthermore, numerous organisations and associations, including Swiss Archaeology, are committed to the protection, maintenance and promotion of the archaeological heritage.

Federal laws

The Swiss Federal Constitution states in Art. 78 that the protection of «natural and cultural heritage» and thus of archaeology and of monuments are sovereign tasks of the cantons, but that the Confederation takes their concerns into account and can support them.

The Swiss Civil Code (CC) regulates the ownership of archaeological finds in Articles 723 and 724: «Antiquities of scientific value are the property of the canton in whose territory they were found.»

The purpose of the Federal Act on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage is to «preserve and protect the country’s native landscape and townscape, historical sites and natural and cultural monuments, and to promote their conservation and preservation» (Art. 1). In addition, the Confederation supports the cantons and organisations in their conservation efforts. Inventories protect objects of national importance (inventory of sites worthy of protection ISOS, inventory of historic transport routes IVS, inventory of landscapes and natural monuments BLN).

In implementation of the UNESCO Convention on the Transfer of Cultural Property, a corresponding federal law and a federal regulation have been in force since 1 June 2005, making the illegal export of Swiss cultural property and the illegal transfer of international cultural property punishable.

Cantonal legislation

At a cantonal level, various laws and ordinances regulate the activities of archaeology and monument conservation. Further information can be found on the websites of the cantonal departments of archaeology and historical monuments.

International Conventions

European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, so-called Malta Convention (entered into force for Switzerland on 28. 09. 1996).

Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Objects, 14. 11. 1970 (in force for Switzerland since 03. 01. 2004).

Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (2.11.2001, in force in Switzerland since 25. 01. 2020).

Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society, the so-called Faro Convention (entered into force for Switzerland on 1. 3. 2020).