Abbey of Saint Gall: A Baroque Jewel with Ancient Roots
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a stunning Baroque abbey with one of the world's oldest and richest monastic libraries in St. Gallen.
The Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning Baroque architectural complex with a history stretching back to the 7th century. Founded by Saint Othmar on the site of Saint Gall's hermitage, it was a prominent Benedictine abbey and a major cultural center in Europe. Its library is one of the oldest and richest monastic libraries in the world.
A brief summary to Abbey of Saint Gall
- Klosterhof 6B, St Gallen, 9000, CH
- +41712273340
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit the Abbey Library, home to a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and the 2,700-year-old Egyptian mummy, Shepenese.
- Explore the Abbey Cathedral, a stunning example of Baroque architecture with intricate details and a light-filled interior.
- Take a guided tour to learn about the abbey's history and significance.
- Check the opening hours of the Abbey Library, as it is closed for three weeks in November/December.
- Combine your visit with a walk around St. Gallen's old town, known for its charming burgher houses with painted bay windows.
Getting There
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Walking
The Abbey of Saint Gall is located in the city center and is easily accessible on foot. From the St. Gallen railway station, it's a 5-10 minute walk. Head northeast from the station, following the signs for the Stiftsbezirk (Abbey District). The Abbey is located on Klosterhof.
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Public Transport
The Abbey of Saint Gall is well-served by public transportation. From the St. Gallen railway station, take bus number 11 towards Abacus-Platz. The nearest bus stop is called "Stiftsbezirk" and is right by the Abbey Library. A single ticket costs CHF 2.50.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the St. Gallen railway station and throughout the city center. A short taxi ride from the train station to the Abbey of Saint Gall will cost approximately CHF 15-20.
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Parking
If arriving by car, parking is available in several multi-story car parks in the city center. Consider Parkhaus Rathaus. Blue zone day parking passes are available for CHF 10 per day. Parking near the Abbey can be limited.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gallusplatz
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Vadian Denkmal
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Schreinerstrasse 1
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Stadt St.Gallen, Rathaus
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Botanischer Garten
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Schloss Dottenwil
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Appenzeller Schaukäserei
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Grand Tour of Switzerland - Photo Spot Appenzell Show Dairy
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Appenzeller Volkskunde-Museum Stein
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Appenzell
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Pfeff ond Lischt Weeg
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Skulptur in Appenzell
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Hotel Bad Horn
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Appenzellerland Tourismus AI
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Unmissable attractions to see
Galluskapelle
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St. Gallen Cathedral
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Charles' Gate
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Abbey Library of Saint Gall
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St. Laurenzen
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Ortsbürgergemeinde St.Gallen
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Haus zum Pelikan
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Am Gallusplatz
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St. Gallus Fountain
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Old Town of St. Gallen
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Bärenplatz
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Historische Felsenbergstrasse-Brücke
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Beizlibrunnen
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Vadianbrunnen
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Neubrunnen
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Essential places to dine
Zur alten Post
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Bäumli
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Neubad
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Restaurant Corso
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Fondue Beizli
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Facincani
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Stars and Stripes
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Einstein Gourmet
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Restaurant Stickerei
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Marktplatz
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Al Capone
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Zum Goldenen Schäfli
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LaVigna
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
La Folie - Die Boutique
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Jeanswerk AG
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Dreamcatcher - ibbo's Charity und Souvenirshop
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s Fachl
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LAVKA
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FIZZEN St. Gallen
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Changemaker
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Magnum Wine Bar
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Einstein Bar
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Süd Bar
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O'Five Pub
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Analog Bar
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The good wave
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Timeout Bar
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Maverick's Cocktail Bar
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Paparazzo Bar
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Alt St. Gallen
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Picante Bar
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