10 Things to Do in the Abbey of Saint Gall (Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen), Switzerland
The Abbey of Saint Gall, located in St. Gallen, Switzerland, is an important cultural and religious site that has been a World Heritage Site since 1983. It is home to a beautiful church, a library, an old monastery, and a museum. As one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Europe, the Abbey of Saint Gall is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in history and culture. Here are 10 things to do in the Abbey of Saint Gall.
1. Visit the Library: The Abbey of Saint Gall is home to the Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen, a library that was founded in the 8th century and is one of the oldest and most important libraries in the world. The library contains over 170,000 volumes, including some of the oldest manuscripts and books in the world. It also has a stunning Baroque-style hall that is filled with ornate frescoes and sculptures.
2. Explore the Monastery: The Abbey of Saint Gall was founded in the 7th century and is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Europe. Visitors can explore the monastery grounds and its many buildings, including the abbey church, the dormitory, the refectory, and the cloisters.
3. Visit the Abbey Church: The Abbey Church of Saint Gall is a beautiful Baroque-style church that was built in the 18th century. The church contains a number of frescoes, sculptures, and other works of art, as well as several tombs of important figures from Swiss history.
4. Explore the Museum: The Abbey of Saint Gall also houses a museum that contains a number of artifacts from the abbey’s history. The museum has several exhibits, including a collection of religious relics, medieval manuscripts, and other works of art.
5. Take a Tour: Visitors can take a guided tour of the Abbey of Saint Gall to learn more about its history and culture. The tour includes a visit to the library, the monastery, and the abbey church.
6. Attend a Concert: The Abbey of Saint Gall is home to a number of musical performances, including concerts, operas, and other musical events.
7. Visit the Gardens: The Abbey of Saint Gall also has a number of gardens, including a rose garden and a herb garden. Visitors can explore the gardens and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
8. Go Shopping: The Abbey of Saint Gall has a number of shops where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and other items.
9. Enjoy a Meal: The Abbey of Saint Gall has a number of restaurants where visitors can enjoy a meal. The restaurants offer a variety of dishes, including traditional Swiss dishes.
10. Attend a Festival: The Abbey of Saint Gall hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the annual Easter Festival and the Summer Festival. These festivals offer visitors the chance to experience the culture of the abbey and the region.
The Abbey of Saint Gall is a beautiful and fascinating site that is full of history and culture. Whether you’re looking to explore the library, the monastery, the abbey church, or the museum, or you’re looking to enjoy a meal, attend a concert, or take part in a festival, the Abbey of Saint Gall is sure to have something for everyone.