St. Gallen, metropolis of Eastern Switzerland is justly proud of its prestigious past. The city’s name and origins can be traced back to the founding of the monastery by the wandering Irish monk Gallus, about 612 AD. You’ll encounter the past with every step as you stroll through the attractive old town. Discover the world-famous oriel windows, narrow lanes and lively squares with inviting street cafés. The prestigious past has given way to a blossoming present. St. Gallen is a modern and cosmopolitan city, watched over by the imposing baroque Cathedral in the heart of the stunning "Stift” district.
Places to see at Saint Gallen
Cathedral
The re-building of today’s baroque Cathedral was begun in 1755 by Prince-Abbot Cölestin
Gugger von Staudach. The pulpit was created in 1786, followed in 1809/1810 by the classical high altar
and gallery.
Famous artists and master builders were commissioned to carry out the prestigious task. One such artist
was Josef Wannenmacher, who painted the ceiling frescoes.
Reached by: approx. 10 minutes walk from the main St. Gallen Railway Station
Opening times: Mon-Sat 9.00-18.00, Wed 10.00-18.00, Sun 12.15-17.30
Abbey Library
Today’s library hall dates from 1758/67 and is renowned as the most exquisite rococo hall in Switzerland, housing more than 150, 000 volumes. A unique collection of early medieval manuscripts make a major contribution to the immeasurable value and international significance of the library.
Reached by: approx. 10 minutes walk from the main St. Gallen Railway Station
Opening times: December - March Mon-Sat 10.00-12.00 & 13.30-17.00, Sun 10.00-12.00 & 13.330-16.00, April - November Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00, Sun 10.00-16.00, November/December 3 weeks closed
Lapidarium
The Lapidarium presents a collection of valuable building stones from the 8th-17th century.
Reached by: approx. 10 minutes walk from the main St. Gallen Railway Station
Opening times: December - March Sat & Sun 14.00-16.00, April - November Mon-Sun 14.00-16.00
The "Stift” District
In 1983, the splendid "Stift” District of St. Gallen was awarded the status of World Cultural Heritage Site deemed worthy of preservation by UNESCO.
Reached by: approx. 5 minutes walk from the main St. Gallen Railway Station
Church of St. Laurenzen
With the arrival of the Reformation in the city of St. Gallen during the 1520’s, the church became the main place of worship for the Protestant population. Renovation in 1850/54 transformed the church into a Basilica in neo-Gothic style.
Reached by: approx. 10 minutes walk from the main St. Gallen Railway Station
Opening times: Mon 9.30-11.30 & 14.00-16.00, Tue-Sat 9.30-16.00, viewing platform Mon-Sat 9.30-11.30 & 14.00-16.00
Church Service: Sunday 10.00
Drei Weieren (Three Ponds)
Three wonderful natural ponds near St Gallen, the perfect place to stroll, bathe or just relax, with splendid views over the city of St Gallen to Lake Constance. Free of charge bathing fun in the "Mannenweier”, while the "Chrüzweier” is just the place to make a splash with the family. The "Frauenbadi” or ladies pond is also in the "Chrüzweier”. The romantic surroundings are enhanced still further by attractive art nouveau buildings.
Reached by: Mühlegg funicular from the old town to St. Georgen or No.2 bus from the St. Gallen main railway station to Mühlegg
Restaurants: kiosks (during the bathing season), Restaurant Dreilinden, Restaurant Scheitlinsbüchel
City Museums
The city of St. Gallen boasts a marvellous choice of museums. Most are situated in the museum quarter (in and next to the City Park) and to the west of the station.
Natural History Museum
Museumstrasse 32
Exhibition of indigenous mammals and birds, living wood ants, dinosaur, geology and mineralogy, changing exhibitions.
Opening times: Tue–Fri 10.00–12.00 & 14.00–17.00, Wed -20.00, Sat & Sun 10.00–17.00
Museum of Art
Museumstrasse 32
International contemporary sculptures, as well as paintings and plastics from the 19th and 20th centuries
Opening times: Tue–Fri 10.00–12.00 & 14.00–17.00, Wed -20.00, Sat & Sun 10.00–17.00
Information: +41 (0)71 242 06 71
Reached by: approx. 15 minutes walk from the main St. Gallen Railway Station.
Hauser and Wirth Collection
Grünbergstrasse 7
International contemporary art from the 1980’s
Peter and Paul Wildlife Park
An excursion to the wildlife park is always an exciting event. See Alpine ibex, red deer, fallow deer, Sika deer and chamois living in herds of varying sizes. Various separate enclosures house wild pigs, marmots, lynx and a new addition, wildcats. Shady forest paths winding between the wealth of animal life and the many vantage points make a walk through the wild life park a relaxing, near to nature experience.
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