Religious Sites

Abbey Cathedral

The Swiss have known for centuries what a jewel the Abbey of St. Gall is. Since its founding in the 8th century, the abbey has been known as an intellectual and religious center. In addition to its cultural importance, the abbey is set in the verdant Steinach Valley near Lake Constance, a lovely corner of northeastern Switzerland. In 1983, the world recognized the location's importance, designating the Abbey of St. Gall a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

The heart of the Abbey of St. Gall is its Cathedral. Despite years of struggles during the stormy Reformation era, the current cathedral imparts nothing but peaceful elegance. Begun in 1755, the existing building is one of the last monumental Baroque buildings in Europe. A white interior is adorned with green wedding cake ornamentation (stucco-work), rose marble altars and a gilded altar screen. Ceiling frescoes depict biblical characters, and throngs of cherubs and saints gaze upon the scene from among the clouds of heaven.

Beneath the apse a small crypt dating from the 9th century comprises the oldest part of the abbey. A modern reliquary holds the grave of St. Gallus as well as the tombs of St. Otmar and several abbots and bishops. A simple, quiet chapel occupies the space as well. Its walls still retain bits of 10th century frescoes above the altar.

Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library)

St. Gall's Abbey Library is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. The origins of the library date back to the 8th century, and many of its 160,000 priceless texts are nearly that old. On display are the 8th-century bill of sale for the abbey property; a Gospel of John ca 800 AD; Changing exhibitions show handwritten and illuminated texts, including Bibles, liturgical works, prayer books and biographies of saints from as early as the 9th 8th century AD; and works depicting the daily lives of resident monks, which provide insight into abbey life from the 9th century through the Middle Ages. Some early works are written in Irish, evidence of the monastery's Irish roots (hence the name, "St. Gall"). The elaborate, rococo library was constructed between 1758-67 and is worth admiration in its own right, with its magnificent burnished woodwork, undulating balconies and ceiling frescoes.

Lapidarium

Remnants of the Carolingian and Gothic churches that preceded the existing cathedral comprise the St. Gall's Lapidarium. Capitols, architectural details and statuary date from the earlier 9th-century church and the medieval 16th-century edifice. Ask for a free English guide at the entrance.

Monastery Square

Within the abbey complex just north of the Abbey Cathedral is Monastery Square, a large, open, grassy area. The space frequently hosts open-air concerts, theatrical productions and carnivals, often of a religious nature. Contact St. Gallen- Bodensee Tourism for a calendar of events.

Old City

Just outside the abbey grounds lies St. Gall's Old City, which grew up around the abbey over the centuries and is marked by the flourishing textil industry as one can see looking at the loveley decorated houses with their oriels. Wander through the narrow, winding streets with tiny boutique shops, galleries and bakeries and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the Metropolis St. Gallen. Dine outdoors if weather permits or in one of the typical 1st floor restaurants , on cuisine as varied as Swiss, American, Spanish, Vietnamese and Thai, all within the shadow of one of Switzerland's most important abbeys.

Excursion

Just 12 miles south of St. Gall is the quaint town of Appenzell, surrounded by the lush green foothills and populated by almost as many sheep and cows as people. The town of Appenzell comes from the Latin abbatis cella, or abbey cell, which is precisely how the town was founded, as a small colony to the Abbey of St. Gall. The ancient colony began an embroidery tradition that still survives today. Visitors enjoy attending local festivals, such as the Alpfahrten, to see residents clad in intricately embroidered folk costume. Stroll through Appenzell's Old City to sell samples of the local art sold at shops in the Landsgemeindeplatz.