History, Culture and Religion
Abbey of St. Gall

Guided tour of the Abbey Library and the vaulted cellar

This guided tour allows to learn about the history of the Abbey of St.Gall from the founding legend to its abolition.

The unique manuscripts in the vaulted cellar tell us about the first heyday of the monastery. An ivory relief on a book cover depicts the founding legend with the hermit Gallus and the bear. Other manuscripts preserve ancient texts, the Old High German language and Gregorian chant. The books show the contribution of the monasteries to the transmission of knowledge and the development of medieval culture. They also make it clear why the Abbey of St. Gall has become a UNESCO World Heritage property.
This is followed by an exploration of the Abbey Library. With its stunning baroque hall and book collection, it is one of the most important historical libraries in the world. Magnificent woodwork, stucco work, ceiling paintings and cherubs lend the hall a festive and warm atmosphere. Temporary exhibitions provide further insights into old books. A huge terrestrial and celestial globe and an Egyptian mummy round off the visit.

Age recommendation: from cycle 1
Language(s): Englisch, German, French, Italian, Spanish
Duration: 50 minutes
Total cost: CHF 140 (excl. admission)
Times of realisation: all year round during the opening hours 
Booking: www.stiftsbezirk.ch