Background

St. Gallen Cathedral: A Baroque Masterpiece

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

4.8

St. Gallen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Built between 1755 and 1767, it stands on the site of a former abbey dating back to 612 AD. The cathedral features a striking twin-tower facade and an opulent interior adorned with frescoes, stucco work, and gold leaf detailing.

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 updated opening hours, as they may vary due to religious services or events.
  • Join a guided tour to discover the hidden stories and architectural details of the cathedral.
  • Visit the Abbey Library, adjacent to the cathedral, to see one of the world's oldest and most beautiful libraries.
  • Look for the oldest bell in Switzerland, dating back to the 7th century, located on the right side of the altar.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    St. Gallen Cathedral is located in the heart of St. Gallen's Old Town, within the Abbey District, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the St. Gallen train station, walk north along Bahnhofstrasse, then turn left onto Marktgasse. Continue straight, crossing over Spisergasse, which will turn into Schmiedgasse. The Cathedral will be on your left in Klosterhof. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the St. Gallen train station, take bus line 1 towards St. Gallen, Abacus-Platz. Get off at the St. Gallen, Stiftsbezirk stop, which is directly in front of the Abbey District, including the Cathedral. The journey takes about 5 minutes. A single ticket within zone 210 costs CHF 2.30.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at the St. Gallen train station. A taxi ride to the St. Gallen Cathedral takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is CHF 15-25.

Unlock the Best of St. Gallen Cathedral

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about St. Gallen Cathedral

St. Gallen Cathedral, or the Cathedral of St. Gall and Otmar, is a Roman Catholic church 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 spot where the Irish monk Gall built his hermitage in 612 AD. The current Baroque structure was constructed between 1755 and 1767, under the direction of architect Peter Thumb, replacing earlier churches. The abbey, including the library and archives, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral's architecture is a prime example of late Baroque style, featuring a pale exterior, twin towers, and a rotunda. The interior is richly decorated with frescoes by Josef Wannenmacher, ornate stucco work by the Gigl brothers, and sculptures. The high-vaulted ceilings and light-filled interior create an airy and reverent atmosphere. Visitors can explore the cathedral's historical and artistic treasures, including the crypts beneath the main altar, where Saint Gall's tomb is located. The south altar houses one of the three oldest surviving bells in Europe, believed to have been brought to St. Gallen by Saint Gall himself. The cathedral also maintains a strong tradition of church music, with regular performances. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the cathedral's history, architecture, and significance.

Popular Experiences near St. Gallen Cathedral

Popular Hotels near St. Gallen Cathedral

Select Currency