The Audiopen at the Abbey of Saint-Maurice: passing on a thousand-year heritage while respecting the site

Founded in 515 by King Sigismund and recognized by Charlemagne, the Abbey of Saint-Maurice, in the canton of Valais in Switzerland, is the oldest abbey in the Western world still in activity: to open it up to the general public without altering its spiritual vocation, Sycomore deployed the Audiopen there, a simple, ergonomic and non-intrusive solution.

Showcasing a highly symbolic site without altering it

For more than 1,500 years, generations of canons have succeeded one another at Saint-Maurice, perpetuating the tradition of perpetual prayer. Eager to share the richness of its history and architecture, the abbey wished to open its doors, but with several fundamental constraints: a route extending both indoors and outdoors, the impossibility of placing labels or information panels near the points of interest — at the risk of harming the site's aesthetics and its contemplative atmosphere — and the requirement for a discreet solution, respectful of the spiritual dimension of a place of prayer that is still inhabited.

The Audiopen: technology suited to sensitive sites

The Audiopen works with a stylus that visitors use to activate audio content from a paper medium. This technology offers great freedom of movement and requires no permanent visual signage on the site. The medium given to visitors is a custom-designed visit map, which clearly indicates the route to follow and the points of interest. Available in four languages, it makes the experience accessible to an international audience.

An enriched experience for children

Sycomore designed a route specifically for young visitors. On the front of the map, the visit takes the form of a playful quiz featuring a mischievous donkey and a young guide: children are invited to find the answers to questions posed along the route. On the back, illustrated games and a cut-out postcard extend the experience at home. This playful interpretation strengthens the site's appeal to families and makes heritage accessible from the youngest age.

A dual narration for intersecting perspectives

For adult audiences, the audio tour offers a narration with two male voices. On one side, a temporal voice provides a historical, architectural and artistic reading of the site; on the other, a spiritual voice offers an introspective perspective, imbued with faith and reflection. This layering of viewpoints makes it possible to approach the abbey both as a heritage monument and as a living place of spirituality. The chosen voices, the recording quality, the diction and the tone all help create an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and listening.

A discreet yet powerful solution

By leaving no physical trace on the premises — no kiosk, no screen, no loudspeaker — the Audiopen respects the integrity of the site. Visitors move freely through the spaces without breaking the silence or disturbing the canons' community life. This technical discretion makes it an ideal solution for religious monuments, historic gardens, museums in listed buildings and sensitive heritage sites.

The case of the Abbey of Saint-Maurice shows how well-designed interpretation can elevate a site while preserving its soul: passing on without imposing, enriching without overloading, guiding without interrupting.