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St. Gallen Cathedral: A Baroque Masterpiece

Discover St. Gallen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its stunning Baroque architecture, rich history, and spiritual significance in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

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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 founded in 719 by Saint Othmar, where the Irish monk Gallus had established a hermitage in 612. The cathedral is renowned for its opulent interiors, impressive frescoes, and significant historical importance.

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 vary seasonally and may be affected by religious services.
  • Join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the cathedral's history, art, and architecture.
  • Visit the Abbey Library of Saint Gall, adjacent to the cathedral, to explore its vast collection of ancient manuscripts.
  • Look for the oldest bell in Switzerland, dating back to the 7th century, located on the right side of the altar.
  • Take public transport to visit the cathedral, as it is easily accessible from the St. Gallen railway station.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the St. Gallen railway station, the Cathedral is approximately a 5-10 minute walk. Exit the station and walk straight ahead into the city center. Follow the signs towards the Abbey District (Stiftsbezirk). The Cathedral is located on Klosterhof.

  • Public Transport

    From St. Gallen railway station, take bus no. 11 towards Abacus-Platz. Get off at the "Stiftsbezirk" bus stop, which is located right by the Abbey Library and the Cathedral. A single ticket within the city of St. Gallen costs approximately CHF 3.00.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow signs to St. Gallen city center and then to the Abbey District (Stiftsbezirk). Several multi-story car parks are available in the city center. Parking fees vary, but you can expect to pay around CHF 2.50-4.00 per hour. Blue zone day parking passes are also available for CHF 10 per day.

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Discover more about St. Gallen Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Gallen, also known as the Abbey Cathedral of St. Gall, is a Roman Catholic church in the city of St. Gallen, Switzerland. It is part of the St. Gallen Abbey District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, and serves as both a parish church and the diocesan church of St. Gallen. The cathedral's history dates back to the 7th century when Saint Gall, an Irish monk, built a hermitage on the site. Over time, a monastery developed around this hermitage, becoming a significant religious, economic, and cultural center. The current Baroque structure was constructed between 1755 and 1767, replacing earlier churches. The construction was initiated by Prince-Abbot Cölestin Gugger von Staudach, with Peter Thumb as the architect. Johann Caspar Bagnato was also involved in the planning. The cathedral's architecture is characterized by its twin-tower façade, pastel pink hue, and airy, light-filled interior. Inside, visitors can admire the stucco work by the Gigl brothers, frescoes by Josef Wannenmacher, and ornate gold leaf detailing. The cathedral also houses the oldest bell in Switzerland, dating back to the 7th century, brought by Saint Gall from Ireland. The bell is preserved in the cathedral on the right side of the altar. The Abbey Library of Saint Gall, adjacent to the cathedral, is one of the oldest and most important monastic libraries in the world. It houses manuscripts dating back to the 8th century and features a Rococo-style interior with ornate wood carvings and frescoed ceilings. Today, St. Gallen Cathedral stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural past, blending seamlessly with the modern urban landscape. It is open to visitors throughout the year, offering guided tours and regular church services.

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