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St. Gallen Cathedral: A Baroque Masterpiece

Explore St. Gallen Cathedral, a stunning Baroque masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site with rich history and breathtaking architecture.

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St. Gallen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture in the heart of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Built between 1755 and 1767, it stands on the site of a former abbey, showcasing impressive frescoes, stucco work, and a rich history that dates back to the 7th century.

A brief summary to St. Gallen Cathedral

  • Monday 7 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-6 pm
  • Friday 7 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the official website for any updates or changes before planning your visit.
  • Join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the cathedral's architecture, artistry, and religious significance.
  • Take time to explore the adjacent Abbey Library, one of the oldest and most important monastic libraries in the world.
  • Visit the crypt to see the tomb of Saint Gallus and experience a quiet, contemplative space.
  • Admire the cathedral's bells, including the one brought back by Saint Gall from Ireland.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    St. Gallen Cathedral is located in the heart of St. Gallen's Abbey District, a pedestrian-friendly zone. From the St. Gallen train station, walk north along Bahnhofstrasse, then turn left onto Multergasse. Continue straight, following signs for the Abbey District (Stiftsbezirk). The cathedral will be on your right, a short 10-15 minute walk. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From St. Gallen train station (Hauptbahnhof), take bus line 1 towards St.Georgen or bus line 5 towards Neudorf. Get off at the 'Stiftsbezirk' bus stop, which is directly in front of the Abbey District. The cathedral is a short walk from the bus stop. A single ticket within zone 210 costs CHF 2.30. You can purchase tickets at the station or via the OSTWIND mobile app.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at the St. Gallen train station. A short taxi ride to the St. Gallen Cathedral will cost approximately CHF 15-20, depending on traffic. Taxi stands are located directly outside the main exit of the train station.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, parking is available in several car parks around the Old Town. The 'City Parking' and 'Kreuzacker' car parks are within walking distance of the cathedral. Hourly parking rates typically range from CHF 2-4. Blue zone parking is also available with a parking disc for a limited time. Day passes for blue zones cost CHF 10.

Unlock the Best of St. Gallen Cathedral

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Discover more about St. Gallen Cathedral

St. Gallen Cathedral, also known as Stiftskirche St. Gallen, is a magnificent landmark in the city of St. Gallen, Switzerland. As part of the Abbey of St. Gall, it has been the cathedral of the Diocese of St. Gallen since 1847. The cathedral stands on the site where the Irish monk Gallus built his hermitage in 612. The current Baroque structure was built between 1755 and 1767, replacing an earlier church. Architects Peter Thumb, Gabriel Loser, and Johann Caspar Bagnato spearheaded this ambitious project. The cathedral boasts a symmetrical structure with dual 68-meter towers and a central rotunda adorned with Rococo elements. Inside, visitors are greeted with opulent interiors featuring stucco work, frescoes, and gold leaf detailing. The frescoes, painted by Josef Wannenmacher, add to the cathedral's majestic allure. The crypt, dating back to the 9th century, houses the tomb of Saint Gallus and a relic of his skull. The south altar features a bell brought back by Saint Gall from Ireland, one of the three oldest surviving bells in Europe. The Abbey Library of Saint Gall, adjacent to the cathedral, is one of the oldest libraries in the world, housing manuscripts dating back to the 8th century. The cathedral and abbey complex form the core of the UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized in 1983.

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