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Abbey of St Gall

Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
08.04.2017

Stiftsbezirk St. Gallen, located in the charming city of Sankt Gallen in Switzerland, is a historic district that holds great cultural and architectural significance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Abbey of St. Gall, a Benedictine monastery that was founded in the 8th century.

The Stiftsbezirk, or Abbey District, is a beautiful example of Baroque and Rococo architecture, with its grand buildings and intricate details. It is also a reflection of the city's rich history, as it was an important center of religious and intellectual life in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Visitors can explore the district's various buildings, including the Abbey Church, the Abbey Library, and the Abbey Courtyard, all of which are adorned with stunning frescoes, sculptures, and ornate decorations. The Abbey Library, in particular, is a must-see for book lovers, as it houses over 170,000 manuscripts and books, some of which date back to the 8th century.

Aside from its architectural and cultural significance, the Stiftsbezirk also offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The Abbey Church, with its exquisite acoustics, often hosts classical music concerts and choral performances, providing a unique and memorable experience for visitors.

In addition to the Abbey, the district also includes the St. Gallen Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic-style church with a towering spire that can be seen from various parts of the city. It is also home to several museums, such as the Historical and Ethnographic Museum and the Museum of Natural History, giving visitors a deeper insight into the city's past and present.

The Stiftsbezirk St. Gallen is not only a popular tourist destination but also a place of pilgrimage for many. Its tranquil surroundings and rich history make it a perfect spot for reflection and contemplation.

Overall, the Stiftsbezirk St. Gallen is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture. It offers a unique glimpse into the past while also providing a peaceful and picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a place to unwind, the Stiftsbezirk St. Gallen is a must-see destination in Switzerland.


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.

The Abbey of Saint Gall (German: Abtei St. Gallen) is a dissolved abbey (747–1805) in a Catholic religious complex in the city of St. Gallen in Switzerland. The Carolingian-era monastery existed from 719, founded by Saint Othmar on the spot where Saint Gall had erected his hermitage. It became an independent principality between 9th and 13th centuries, and was for many centuries one of the chief Benedictine abbeys in Europe. The library of the Abbey is one of the oldest monastic libraries in the world.The city of St. Gallen originated as an adjoining settlement of the abbey. The abbey was secularized around 1800, and in 1848 its former church became St. Gallen Cathedral, the seat of the Diocese of Saint Gallen. Since 1983 the abbey precinct has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

wikipedia.org