HISTORICAL MOMENT: 175-year-old box released its secrets: PHOTO The content of those present was breathtaking – Topky.sk

As the historian Patrik Baxa revealed, the time boxes usually contain written documents, which summarize the most important data about the construction, reconstruction or renovation of a given building or work of art.

Equally often, however, it is data on the then government, church representatives or municipal government. “Currency, ie coins, banknotes, or other objects such as relics of saints, are also frequent objects that are placed in time boxes.” stated during its opening in the premises of the old town hall. In addition to him, several experts and the mayor of Bratislava Matúš Vallo were present.

After minutes of tension, the box, last closed on September 13, 1845, released its contents. All those present, as well as the spectators who watched the whole process online, thus had a view of the literally printed documents and deeds. There were banknotes in the box which, paradoxically, had virtually no value at the time they were inserted into the box. With today’s historical one, however, it is really different.

There were also coins, banknotes and a capsule with the remains of nine saints – five women and four men. There was also a document in the mailbox recording the composition of the outer city council.

Source: Reprofoto – Facebook / Matúš Vallo likes Bratislava

There was also a document from the original box from 1758, written by four roof contractors, which showed more significant damage. In addition, however, all items were in excellent condition.

Source: Reprofoto – Facebook / Matúš Vallo likes Bratislava

However, the parchments present on the spot did not dare to open, as they started to crack on the first attempt. Nevertheless, it could be blamed for the fact that it contains the names of the then elite – the ruler Maria Theresa and her husband František Štefan, as well as the then mayor and burghers. It provides information about the tower and the changes it has undergone.

At the bottom of the box were copper plates with information about the construction of the statue of Archangel Michael and its repairs.

Source: Reprofoto – Facebook / Matúš Vallo likes Bratislava

“We will put them in safety in the next few hours. Then there should be an expert commission, which we will nominate as a museum and other experts. Then comes the phase of expert assessment and especially treatment – conservation or restoration where necessary.” clarified by Zuzana Palicová in charge of managing the Museum of the City of Bratislava.

Source: Reprofoto – Facebook / Matúš Vallo likes Bratislava

“Then, once this material treatment process has taken place, we would like to exhibit these items in the old town hall as part of a short exhibition, so that the public can be in as close contact with them as we are now,” she added.

Source: Reprofoto – Facebook / Matúš Vallo likes Bratislava

The objects should become collection objects of the Bratislava City Museum. However, it is possible that some of them will return to the new time box. Copies of some items may also be made. New, type-similar documents can also be prepared, such as the list of today’s council. However, this is still under discussion.

Source: Reprofoto – Facebook / Matúš Vallo likes Bratislava

The reconstruction of the Michalská Tower has been carried out by the capital since July this year. It will take about 18 more months. At the end of September, from the baroque roof of the tower, located at a height of 51 meters, they assembled the copper sculpture of Archangel Michal in a duel with a dragon, which was considerably damaged. It is also awaiting reconstruction. It was in her bowels that the time box was.