From monastic medicine to modern pharmacy
From monastic medicine to modern pharmacy
Lecture by specialist pharmacist Michael Dohm
Michael Dohm is a third-generation pharmacist and has been running the Scheffel pharmacy in Radolfzell since 1964. In his lecture in the old town pharmacy, the pharmacist, who is interested in the history of pharmacy, talks about the development of medicines from monastic medicine to modern pharmacy. The monastery island of Reichenau is home to the famous medicinal herb garden, modeled on the “Hortulus” by Abbot Walahfried Strabo from the 9th century, a treasure that extends far beyond the island’s borders. Monasteries were regarded as centers of medicine in the Middle Ages and into modern times. Monks collected medicinal plants, produced medicines and recorded their knowledge in herbal books. With the advent of universities, the wealth of knowledge became increasingly well-founded. – How did things develop here? The first documented mention of a pharmacist in Radolfzell was in 1610 / 11 during the plague epidemic. Franz Zangerer opened his pharmacy on Seetorplatz in 1689. A privilege from the Viennese government assured him that the newly built half-timbered house would be the only pharmacy in Radolfzell for the rest of time. After his death, the pharmacy passed into the hands of the Bosch family, who held the privilege for almost 170 years. In 1908, the pharmacy was taken over by Albert Ehrhardt. His son Wilhelm founded the Scheffel Pharmacy in 1964 and was the last pharmacist to work in this time-honored patrician house, which today houses the town museum.
“A wild symphony” – city anniversary project of the music school
In this play by bestselling author Dan Brown, Maestro Mouse travels through forest, meadow and sea and introduces us to his musical friends. The whole music school is involved, a play for all ages from 4 years upwards!
Culture night
Once a year, Radolfzell is transformed into a lively venue for art, culture and creativity: at the Culture Night, artists from the independent scene present a varied program throughout the town and its districts.
Whether fine arts, photography, sculpture, music, dance, literature, theater or film – the Culture Night brings together a wide variety of forms of expression and makes them accessible to all. From large venues to small studios and retail outlets, Radolfzell becomes an open cultural space that invites you to discover and linger.
Reading of the historical Lake Constance novel “Flüsterzeit” – Petra Palumbo
“Flüsterzeit – zwischen Herkunft und Sehnsucht” tells the moving story of the Manogg family over several generations. Rooted in the picturesque landscape between Lake Constance, Hegau and the Swabian Alb, the descendants wrestle with the shadows of the past and the challenges of an uncertain future. From the turmoil of the German Empire to the collapse of the Weimar Republic, personal destinies are interwoven with the great upheavals of the time. Between the southern German provinces and pulsating metropolises, the life of a family unfolds as they set out without denying their origins. A captivating novel about home, departure, loss and new beginnings and an impressive testimony to the times.
“Flüsterzeit – zwischen Herkunft und Sehnsucht” is the first historical novel by Petra Palumbo, who was previously known as a crime writer under the name Luzi van Gisteren. Petra Palumbo was born in 1973 in Singen am Hohentwiel and studied business administration before working for an international corporation in Munich for more than twenty years. She now lives with her family in Radolfzell on Lake Constance, where her father’s roots lie. Writing has been her passion since early childhood: the author wrote her first book at the age of 13. She has been teaching creative writing to young people and adults for many years, including at adult education centers and as part of literary education projects. She works professionally in marketing.
Who was Ratoldus?
The exhibition “Who was Ratoldus?” deals with the questions of why and since when the school has borne his name. Together with the pupils, the historical background of Bishop Ratoldus,
his work in Radolfzell and the naming of the Ratoldus School. The aim is to create a small exhibition about the life and work of Ratoldus and his significance for Radolfzell today. To this end, the pupils will get to know historical work and learn more about the town’s history. The knowledge gained will be presented in a portable permanent exhibition in the school building and shared with the wider school community with the help of information texts on the school website. In line with the school’s concept, care will be taken to incorporate inclusive elements into the exhibition. Subsequent projects can then be implemented at the school.
Daycare entry Radolfzell: discover the city & arrive together
The open parents’ café as part of the “Kita-Einstieg Radolfzell” program cordially invites parents and their children to a special morning: In a relaxed atmosphere, families can get into conversation over a cup of tea or coffee while the children play and make their first contacts.
A special highlight awaits the participants afterwards – a child-friendly guided tour of Radolfzell. Together we go on a journey of discovery through the historic old town, get to know special places and experience our surroundings with new eyes. The activity creates space for encounters, orientation and community – a great way for families to arrive in Radolfzell.
Mögging Castle Festival
In the last weekend of June 2026, the castle courtyard of the moated castle in Möggingen will once again shine as the stage for the castle festival, taking up the legendary open-air performances of the post-war period, the glittering highlight of which was the production for the 1200th anniversary celebrations in 1960. This tradition experienced a lively rebirth with the “Indian Princess” for Möggingen’s 1250th anniversary in 2010 and the “Living Chess Spectacle” in 2017.
Among other things, this year’s play sheds light on the quartering of French officers in the castle, the involvement of individual residents of Mögging in the National Socialist movement, interpersonal conflicts during the occupation and the persistence of right-wing extremist ideas to the present day.
Tango flash mob: Radolfzell’s Tango Argentino scene presents itself
The Tango Flashmob project takes place on May 16, 2026 at around 11 a.m. on the market square in Radolfzell. Two Argentinian tango musicians, a bandoneonist and a guitarist, start playing tango music as if it were a street concert.
People come closer to listen to the tango duo. Suddenly, a couple starts dancing. They dance for a minute and then separate to invite two more people to dance. These two couples dance for another minute and then separate again to invite four more people, and so on until the place is full of dancing couples. It’s like a snowball that gets bigger and bigger.
Afterwards, the talented dancers invite the inexperienced to a short tango course led by Argentinian teacher Rafael Mendaro.
Open-air theater
On July 3 and 4, the market square will be transformed into a stage: the history of the city will unfold in six interlinking scenes of approx. 10 minutes each – from its foundation to striking development steps and visionary images of the future. An open-air production that impressively combines past and present.
The texts were written by Romy Bromma and Berthold Gruzel. The production is directed by Monique Mölter, whose creative staging concept ensures a dynamic and atmospheric performance. The play is performed without a curtain and the scenes flow into one another on the open stage.
The participatory nature of the project is particularly striking: participants from the community – children, young people and adults – appear on stage together with experienced theater professionals. They were introduced to theater under professional guidance and create the scenes with great liveliness and authenticity.
The project sees itself as a civic cultural experience that not only entertains, but also connects. Participation is free of charge. An invitation to a shared culture of remembrance – and to look to the future.
Night of the Radolfzell companies reloaded
As part of the anniversary activities, the sponsors will not only be presented on their own company premises, but also on the market square and in the dairy plant. In addition, spectacular light illuminations will atmospherically stage the history and milestones of the companies.