Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library) St. Gallen
Overview
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Intro
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.
