Abbey of St Gall in Switzerland

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe
Kanton St.Gallen (in German)
Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1983
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 9,378°
Latitude: 47,423°

Summary

The Convent of St Gall, a perfect example of a great Carolingian monastery, was, from the 8th century to its secularization in 1805, one of the most important in Europe. Its library is one of the richest and oldest in the world and contains precious manuscripts such as the earliest-known architectural plan drawn on parchment. From 1755 to 1768, the conventual area was rebuilt in Baroque style. The cathedral and the library are the main features of this remarkable architectural complex, reflecting 12 centuries of continuous activity.

Location on Map

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Abbey of St Gall: A Historic UNESCO World Heritage Site in Switzerland

The Abbey of St Gall, located in the Canton of St Gall in the town of St Gall, is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This architectural masterpiece, dating back to the 8th century, is a testament to the rich history of Switzerland and the influence of the Benedictine Order.

History

The Abbey of St Gall was founded in 719 by Saint Othmar, a nobleman from the region. Over the centuries, it grew in prominence and became one of the most important centers of learning and culture in Europe. The abbey's library, in particular, became renowned for its vast collection of manuscripts, making it a hub of intellectual activity during the Middle Ages.

During the 9th century, under the leadership of Abbot Gozbert, the abbey experienced a period of significant expansion and renovation. The construction of the present-day abbey complex began during this time, with the addition of a magnificent church, cloister, and other buildings. The architectural style of the abbey is a blend of Carolingian, Romanesque, and Baroque influences, reflecting the various periods of construction and renovation.

Throughout its history, the Abbey of St Gall faced numerous challenges, including fires and invasions. However, it managed to survive and thrive, thanks to the dedication and resilience of the monks who resided there. The abbey's influence extended beyond religious matters, as it played a crucial role in the development of agriculture, education, and the arts in the region.

Current State

Today, the Abbey of St Gall stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural and cultural heritage of Switzerland. The abbey complex, with its stunning Baroque library, church, and cloister, attracts visitors from around the world.

The library, known as the Stiftsbibliothek, houses over 170,000 volumes, including priceless manuscripts dating back to the 8th century. It is one of the oldest and most important monastic libraries in the world. The library's Rococo-style hall, adorned with intricate stucco work and frescoes, is a sight to behold.

The abbey church, with its ornate interior and beautiful frescoes, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Its grand organ, dating back to the 18th century, is still in use today and regularly hosts concerts and recitals.

The abbey complex also includes the cloister, a tranquil courtyard surrounded by arcades adorned with intricate carvings. The cloister garden, with its medicinal plants and herbs, reflects the abbey's historical role in the field of medicine and healing.

Address
Distance: 0,1 mi
Webergasse 23
9000 St. Gallen
Switzerland

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 13:00
Reception
Weekday: 10:00 - 23:00 (lunchbreak: 14:00 - 17:00)
Weekend: 17:00 - 23:00

Videos from the area

St. Gallen, Switzerland

Published: July 20, 2011
Length: 09:24 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: lucoto

Visita a St. Gallen (Cantón de San Galo). Visita a la Abadía de San Galo y a la Iglesia de San Lorenzo, el día 03-08-2010.

Stiftskirche St. Gallen Oktober 2011

Published: October 28, 2011
Length: 26:02 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: DonCamillo

Die Stiftskirche St. Gallen (eigentlich Stiftskirche St. Gallus und Otmar) ist ein römisch-katholischer Kirchenbau in der Stadt St. Gallen in der Schweiz. Sie dient dem Bistum St. Gallen als...

Sankt Gallen, Schweiz, 6:00 p.m.

Published: February 18, 2009
Length: 15:38 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Califraska

6:00 p.m. on Spisergasse in Old Town St. Gallen, Switzerland on the evening of February 11, 2009, with the bells of St. Laurenzen-Kirche ringing in the background.

Guggemusik - Gassenfasnacht in St. Gallen

Published: March 05, 2011
Length: 35:16 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Hans-Dieter Zimmermann

Guggemusik - Gassenfasnacht in St. Gallen.

Adventsreise zur Sternenstadt St. Gallen am 29.11.2012-

Published: December 07, 2012
Length: 32:34 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Thomas Schmidtkonz

Adventsreise zur Sternenstadt St. Gallen am 29.11.2012. Dieser Film zeigt die Schönheiten im UNESCO Weltkulturerbe Stiftsbezirk und die Eröffnung des Weihnachts- und Christkindli-Markt in...