Silk is a textilewhich was produced in China over 5,000 years ago. There are many stories about how the silkworm finally came to Europe. The best known is that two monks are said to have travelled from China to Byzantium in the year 522. Hidden in walking sticks, they are said to have smuggled mulberry tree seeds and the eggs of the silkworm moth, thus bringing silkworm breeding to the Mediterranean region.

Silk metropolises in Europe

From Byzantium, the secret of silk production quickly spread to the Greeks and Arabs. The Arabs founded their workshops in Spain in the eighth century. Around 950 AD, the first workshop for silk fabrics and silk garments in Italy was founded in Palermo. Later Italian silk centres were Lucca, Venice, Florence, Genoa, Pisa and Bologna. Italy remained the leader in silk production until the 16th century - they designed the most beautiful and elaborate patterns.

In 1470, Louis XI, King of France, had his own silk production set up. With an improved loom, French silk production experienced a huge boom.

Silk production in Switzerland

Silk production also has a long tradition in Switzerland. From 1250, silk production and the silk trade flourished in Zurich - silk was even exported to Swabia, southern France, England, Prague and Hungary.

After the Edict of Nantes in the 17th century, many Huguenots emigrated to Switzerland. Thanks to their experience in the silk trade and silk production, the silk industry in Zurich and Basel experienced a new boom. At the beginning of the 18th century, the "silk yards" in Zurich were world-famous and by 1900 the silk industry was one of the most important branches of industry in Switzerland.

Silk production reached its peak at the beginning of the 20th century and from the middle of the 20th century, the focus shifted from processing to trade.

Today, Swiss silk production is celebrating a comeback after a 100-year interruption. A few innovative farmers have joined forces to cover the entire value chain from farmers to the textile industry to market partners and customers. The aim is to establish Swiss silk as a niche product. Further interesting information on Swiss silk production can be found at www.swiss-silk.ch.