Visit Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen: Baroque Hall, Medieval Manuscripts & 1,300 Years of History

History and Significance

The Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen was founded in the 8th century by Saint Othmar, the founder of the Abbey of St. Gall. The library has a continuous history of over 1,300 years, making it one of the oldest in the world. In 937, a fire destroyed the abbey, but the library remained intact.

The current Baroque hall was built between 1758 and 1767 by the architect Peter Thumb in the Rococo style. In 1983, the entire abbey complex, including the library, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2017, the library's written heritage was granted UNESCO Memory of the World status.

What to See

1. The Baroque Rococo Hall

The centerpiece of the library is the magnificent 18th-century hall. It is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

Features:

•Ceiling frescoes: Depicting the first four ecumenical councils.

•Woodcarvings: Richly decorated shelves and details.

•Parquet floor: A historic floor protected by special slippers.

•Greek inscription: Above the entrance reads "ΨΥΧΗΣ ΙΑΤΡΕΙΟΝ" (Healing Place for the Soul).

Atmosphere: Majestic, inspiring Suitable for: All ages

2. Medieval Manuscripts

The library holds 2,100 medieval manuscripts, which are displayed on a rotating basis.

Famous Manuscripts:

•Plan of St. Gall (Codex Sangallensis 1092): The oldest surviving architectural drawing on parchment.

•Manuscript B of the 'Song of the Nibelungs': An important medieval German epic.

•Irish, Carolingian, and Ottonian manuscripts: Some of the finest examples of medieval art.

Atmosphere: Historic, educational Suitable for: History and art lovers

3. The Exhibition Space and Vaulted Cellar

These spaces host temporary exhibitions on various topics related to the history of the abbey and the region.

Atmosphere: Informative, modern Suitable for: All visitors

4. The Egyptian Mummy

The library is home to the mummy of Shep-en-Isis, who died 2,600 years ago. In 2022, a 3D facial reconstruction was created.

Atmosphere: Mysterious, intriguing Suitable for: All ages

5. The Special Felt Slippers

All visitors must wear large grey felt slippers over their shoes to protect the precious historic parquet floor. This is a unique and fun experience.

Atmosphere: Fun, unusual Suitable for: All visitors

📋 Practical Information

How to Get to the Stiftsbibliothek

Address: Klosterhof 6D, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland

From Zurich:

•Train: 1 hour to St. Gallen station, then a 10-minute walk

•Car: 1 hour 15 minutes

From Zurich Airport:

•Train: 1 hour 15 minutes to St. Gallen

•Car: 1 hour 30 minutes

With TripTransfer:

•Direct transfer from the airport/hotel

•Drop-off directly at the library

•No worries about parking and public transport

Parking:

•Limited parking around the abbey

•Recommendation: visit by public transport or TripTransfer

Visitor Tips

1.Wear socks – you will have to wear slippers over your shoes.

2.Plan 1-2 hours – for the full experience.

3.Visit in the morning – to avoid crowds.

4.Combine with the cathedral – it's right next door.

5.Explore the Old Town – it's full of colorful houses.

6.Check for temporary exhibitions – they change regularly.

7.Don't touch the books – they are priceless.

8.Enjoy the silence – it's a place of contemplation.