The oldest-surviving blueprint from medieval times details the layout and construction of a village and monastery called the Plan of St. Gall. Now archaeologists and craftspeople are building that community, first described in 800 A.D., using only the tools and methods available back then. Author Kristen Ghodsee has visited the site and writes about it in her new book, “Everyday Utopia.” She tells The World’s Marco Werman that the medieval vision of a utopian community has much to teach the modern world.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!