Saturday, 16.11.2002 - Biel, Berne

Around the year AD 350 a high roman officer was buried under the present Stephan church in Biel-Mett.

In the tomb was water and wine in two cylindrical bottles as provisions for the journey. Furthermore a cup that was decorated with Dionysus motives was added into the grave. The garment was closed with a primer.

Above the grave was constructed a mausoleum. In the 5th century AD the grave building was altered and expanded with 3 graves.

Around the year AD 600 a first church was built. This was replaced in the 8th and 11th century AD completely. From the last one two small round arch windows are preserved in the southern wall.

The church was raised in the 14th century AD and set up again in AD 1688 after a fire. Further conversions occurred later.

Today a small exhibition exists in the church courtyard. In a showcase the glass cup and the primer are shown. Furthermore the grave and the building history of the church are explained on some illustrated charts.