Haus zum Pelikan
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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 art.
St. Gallen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Built in the mid-18th century on the site of a former abbey, the cathedral boasts impressive interiors adorned with frescoes, stucco work, and ornate gold leaf detailing, making it a must-see destination in St. Gallen.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to St. Gallen Cathedral
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Walking
St. Gallen Cathedral is located in the heart of St. Gallen's Old Town, within the Abbey District, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the St. Gallen train station, walk north along Bahnhofstrasse, then turn left onto Marktgasse. Continue straight, and you'll soon see the cathedral's prominent towers. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport
The St. Gallen train station is the main transportation hub. From the train station, take bus line 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, or 10 to the St. Gallen, Stiftsbezirk bus stop, which is right next to the Cathedral. A single ticket within St. Gallen costs approximately CHF 3.00. Alternatively, from the train station, you can take bus line 21 to the St. Gallen, Kath. Friedhof bus stop and walk approximately 5 minutes to the Cathedral. A monthly pass costs CHF 70.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in St. Gallen, especially at the train station. A taxi ride from the train station to the cathedral takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost for a short taxi ride in St. Gallen is CHF 15-25.
Driving
If driving, follow signs to St. Gallen Zentrum and then to the Abbey District (Stiftsbezirk). Several parking garages are available near the cathedral, including the City Parking and the Burggraben Parking. Parking rates typically range from CHF 2-4 per hour. Blue zone day parking passes are available for CHF 10 per day. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak tourist season.
Local tips
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Check the official website for mass schedules to avoid visiting during services.
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Take a guided tour to discover the history and architecture of the cathedral.
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Don't miss the Abbey Library, adjacent to the cathedral, which houses ancient manuscripts.
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Look for the oldest bell in Switzerland, dating back to the 7th century, located on the right side of the altar.
Discover more about St. Gallen Cathedral
St. Gallen Cathedral, or the Cathedral of St. Gallus and Otmar, is a Roman Catholic church in the city of St. Gallen, Switzerland. The cathedral is part of the Abbey of St. Gall, and has been the cathedral of the Diocese of St. Gallen since 1847. It is considered one of the last great sacred structures of the Baroque era and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.
The cathedral stands on the spot where the Irish monk Gall built his hermitage in 612. The first abbey church was built over Saint Gall's grave around 719, with the current church's construction starting in 1755 by Prince-Abbot Cölestin Gugger von Staudach. The church was completed in 1767, and was designed by Peter Thumb.
Inside, visitors can admire the airy and light-filled interior, adorned with frescoes and paintings. The baptismal font reflects the stunning frescoed ceiling, and the stucco work by the Gigl brothers adds an ornate touch. The cathedral has over 800 putti and angels. The south altar features a bell brought back by Saint Gall from Ireland, which is one of the three oldest surviving bells in Europe.
The cathedral also has two crypts. The eastern crypt dates back to the 9th century and contains the tomb of St. Gallus, including a piece of his skull. The west crypt houses the tombs of St. Otmar and, since 1966, the Bishops of St. Gallen.
A brief summary to St. Gallen Cathedral
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