![Altar hanging depicting scenes from the life of Christ and saints of the Dominican order. The tapestry, made in Basel in the mid-15th century, hung in front of an altar in Klingental convent.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/2020/06/Nonnen-Titel-300x225.jpg)
Uprising in the convent
From today’s perspective, it seems unthinkable that nuns would rebel, put up violent resistance and ignore ecclesiastical regulations. But during the reform efforts in the 15th century, this was not an unusual occurrence.
![This group of sculptures of Saint Ursula and her companions is one of the few surviving relics of the once richly furnished Klingental convent.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/2020/06/Figurengruppe_1967-100_shmbam_c214-232x300.jpg)
The pope orders an investigation
![A look inside a model of the Klingental convent around 1500. Model by Stefan Tramèr, 1998-1999.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/2020/06/Kloster-Klingental-3-300x225.jpg)
The "shameless women" move out of the convent
![https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/2020/06/Protestschreiben.jpgLetter of protest from the Observant nuns at Klingental convent to the Pope, dated 16 October 1482.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/2020/06/Protestschreiben-der-Reformnonnen-im-Kloster-Klingental-300x201.jpg)
Reforms
As the 14th century drew to a close, a wave of reforms aimed at monasteries and convents took hold, starting in Italy and spreading to the Dominican religious houses in German-speaking areas in particular. The aim of the reform was a return to the original ideals of the monastic life, strict adherence to the rule of the order, and a cloistered life of poverty and contemplation. In Basel, the first monasteries and convents had been subject to reforms since 1420. In many places, and often even within the same house, the reform efforts resulted in two divided and quarrelling parties: those opposed to reform, and those who supported it.