History Buff’s Map Clue Uncovers Lost Medieval Monastery in Sweden

In a remarkable twist of historical sleuthing, a history enthusiast armed with a metal detector and an eye for peculiar map symbols has unearthed the lost remnants of a medieval monastery in southwest Sweden. The discovery, announced by Arkeologerna, a Swedish archaeological group, took place in a field in Derome, where hobbyist Göran Bengtsson’s curiosity led to a breakthrough.

Bengtsson, while poring over 18th-century maps, spotted an odd rectangle labeled "Klosterkullen"—or "monastery hill"—on a 1760 map. His hunch paid off when he alerted archaeologists, who deployed ground-penetrating radar to reveal the ghostly outlines of what are likely monastery ruins. "This is something unique," said veteran archaeologist Bengt Westergaard, who, after 40 years in the field, was stunned by the clarity of the walls detected beneath the soil.

The timing couldn’t have been better. A dry summer day amplified crop marks—visible traces of buried structures—making the walls stand out like a blueprint etched in the earth. The radar confirmed thick, 6.5-foot walls, possibly the eastern wing and dormitory of a Cistercian monastery, potentially the original site of Ås Abbey from the late 1100s. Historical records suggest the abbey was partially built before being relocated in the 13th century, leaving this site abandoned and forgotten—until now.

Sweden’s rich historical tapestry continues to unravel with finds like these. From a 12th-century grave with buried treasure to a mysterious Viking-era coffin, the past keeps resurfacing. Further digs are planned to uncover whether this site holds more secrets of the monks who once walked its halls.