Enchanting Allure of St Gallen Cathedral Switzerland

After the magical moments we spent at Rhine Waterfalls we headed to St. Gallen. A short train ride from Winterthur, and we were there in the old town of St Gallen. I managed to make a quick visit to theTextile Museum. Soon, I was facing the facade of St Gallen Cathedral Switzerland.

As I approached the Abbey of St. Gallen, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer size and grandeur of the place. The imposing architecture and intricate details of the facade spoke of the incredible history that lay within its walls. And the fact that it had been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site only added to my excitement.

The picture below is the east façade of St. Gallen cathedral. The extraordinarily tall façade, with light streaming in through the two towers looked enchanting.

St Gallen Cathedral East Facade

I realized that it was nearing closing time. I quickened my steps, hoping to make the most of the time I had left. I was determined to see as much of the abbey as possible, and to immerse myself in the rich history and culture that it represented.

Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the sense of reverence that permeated every corner of the cathedral. The ancient stone walls seemed to echo with the voices of the countless monks and scholars who had passed through its halls over the centuries. And the intricate carvings and frescoes that adorned the walls and ceilings were a testament to the incredible skill and dedication of the artists who had created them.

The convex facade in the north. The entrance to the cathedral was through this door in the north of the cathedral.

St Gallen Cathedral North Facade

St Gallen Cathedral Highlights

The interior of St. Gallen Cathedral is opulently decorated with beautiful paintings and carvings. All the works here are themed; the walls depict scenes of life of St. Benedict. Malachite green color is used abundantly. The railings have delicate carvings.

St Gallen Cathedral is worth vising for its special collections. Make sure you check out these highlights:

The oldest bell, from 7^th century! Look up through the iron grid on the right side of the altar. The bell was brought by Gallus on his 7^th journey from Ireland. It is one of the three oldest surviving bells in Europe! This one was donated to the monastery in 1786. They used it as a hand bell to exile evil spirits. On the mantle of the bell is painted Gallus and the bear as well a quote.

The 3-dimensional foot of Franciscus! In the rotunda’s cupola, depicting paradise, you’ll find 60 saints arranged on spiral cloud bands. Keep an eye out for the seated figure of St. Francis and take a closer look at the dome painting’s ornate plasterwork along the edge. You’ll notice his feet protruding into space, creating a 3-dimensional effect, adding depth and realism to the artwork. Thanks to the audio guide I could notice it.

Discovering the Beauty and Serenity of St. Gallen Cathedral

Two crypts – I read up that there are two crypts (a chapel under a church) beneath the Cathedral. I was not aware of it when I visited. May be they were not accessible to the public during my visit. The eastern crypt dates back to the 9th century and contains the tomb of St. Gallus, which includes a piece of his skull. On the other hand, the west crypt is where the tombs of St. Otmar and the Bishops of St. Gallen have been housed since 1966.

Choir Stall – The choir stall in the St. Gallen Cathedral is a remarkable piece of artistry that stunned me. It consists of 84 intricately carved seats that are arranged in two rows, creating a walkway in the middle. The choir stalls date back to the 1700s and are made of fine wood, with each seat featuring a unique design. The historic organ that dates back to the 18^th century

About St Gallen Cathedral

The Stiftskirche St. Gallus und Otmar is a Roman Catholic church in the city of St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Monastery of St. Gallen is located in the scenic Steinach valley at the heart of northeast Switzerland city. The Cathedral is a part of the original Benedictine monastery complex, which has a fascinating history that dates back to the 7th century, when the Irish monk, Gallus, settled in the Steinach canyon. (Scroll down for the legend)

The monastery of Saint Gallen was founded in 719 and flourished religiously, economically, and culturally from the 8th century during the Carolingian period. For over a thousand years, from 747 to 1805, it functioned as an abbey. The entire complex was considered a separate principality or a city-state, home to over 70,000 people.

Despite surviving both the Reformation and the French Revolution, the Abbey Cathedral’s political rule was dissolved in 1805 under the influence of Napoleon when the Canton of St. Gallen was established. Even with all those developments, the Monastery of Saint Gall and its rich history continue to fascinate visitors from all over the world.

Finding Inspiration and Wonder at St. Gallen Cathedral in Switzerland

Architectural Details of St Gallen Cathedral

The Abbey Cathedral of St. Gallen is a true masterpiece of baroque architecture. The grand cathedral was designed by the renowned architect Johann Caspar Bagnato and decorated by the best South German artists of the time. The cathedral’s airy and light-filled interior is a sight to behold, with frescoes and paintings covering almost every square inch of the walls and ceilings.

The baptismal font is a reflection of the stunning frescoed ceiling. Stucco works by the Gigl brothers add an ornate touch to the cathedral’s decor. With over 800 putti and angels, the cathedral is a stunning example of baroque art. Like me you will be stunned too to see the towers of the cathedral, an impressive 68 m high. The bells within them are equally impressive.

Another major highlight of the cathedral, the Dreifaltigkeitsglocke, located in the north tower, is over 8000 kg and has the deepest bell sound in Switzerland.

The south tower houses seven bells, each with its own unique sound. I decided to keep aside my camera for a while. Took a deep breath, took a seat and quietly admired the intricate details of the frescoes, paintings, and stucco work that adorn the cathedral.

Legend of Saint Gall

The legend of St. Gall is a powerful one that has captured the imaginations of many over the centuries, symbolizing the triumph of faith and the transformative power of perseverance and determination. According to the story, Gallus was a monk who lived in the sixth century and was known for his deep devotion and commitment to his faith. The story goes like this:

One day, while on a journey through the forest, Gallus stumbled and fell into a briar patch. As he struggled to free himself, he was confronted by a fierce bear who seemed intent on attacking him. But rather than giving in to fear, Gallus managed to calm the bear and persuade it to help him.

He survived the encounter with the bear and got him to procure a piece of log in return for bread. With the bear’s assistance, Gallus was able to procure a piece of log that he used to build a hermitage. Over time, the hermitage grew in size and became the foundation for what would eventually become St. Gallen’s cathedral.

While it may be difficult to separate fact from fiction, the story has continued to inspire generations of believers and non-believers alike.

Abbey of St. Gall

Located just 0.09km from St. Gallen Cathedral, the Abbey of St. Gall is a stunning example of a Carolingian monastery that was of immense importance throughout Europe from the 8^th century.

One of the key features of the abbey is its incredible library. The place is of great importance to those spiritually inclined, a visit to the Abbey of St. Gall is truly worth the time and effort. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and invaluable collection of manuscripts and other artifacts, it is a true gem that should not be missed by history buffs and architecture lovers.

Awe-inspiring St. Gallen Cathedral: A Must-See Destination in Switzerland

Abbey Library of Saint Gall

The medieval monastic library known as the Abbey Library of Saint Gall is situated in the Swiss city of St. Gallen, merely 0.01 km away from St. Gallen Cathedral. The library holds great historical and cultural significance. There are books dating from the 8th and 11th centuries. They number more than 150,000 books.

The library has been recognized as a World Heritage Site since 1983, along with the Abbey of St. Gall. It is for this tag we went all the way to east of Switzerland. Worth the effort! Its remarkable collection and longstanding reputation have made it one of Europe’s most prominent cultural centers, from its establishment in the 8th century to its secularization in 1805.

St Gallen Open timings: Monday to Wednesday – 6 AM to 6.30 PM (in summer to 7 PM)
Thursday to Saturday – 7 AM to 6.30 PM (in summer to 7 PM)
Sunday – 7.30 AM to 8.30 PM

Address: Klosterhof, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland

FAQ about St Gall Abbey Switzerland

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions for planning a visit to St Gall Switzerland. Do let me know if you have more queries in comment box.

Is there an admission fee to enter the St. Gallen Cathedral?

No tickets are required for admission to the cathedral. It is a free sight for all visitors.

Are there guided tours of the cathedral available?

Yes, guided tours of the cathedral are available for a fee. Check with the tourist information center for more information.

Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cathedral is wheelchair accessible, but some parts may be difficult to navigate due to stairs and uneven surfaces.

Are there any special events or concerts held in the cathedral?

Yes, the cathedral hosts various events and concerts throughout the year. Check with the tourist information center for more information.

What is the best time of day to visit the cathedral?

The best time to visit the cathedral is in the morning or early afternoon, as it can get crowded later in the day. Additionally, the morning light provides a beautiful illumination of the stained glass windows.

Can I visit the crypts beneath the cathedral?

The crypts are not always open to the public, so it’s best to check with a guide to see if they are accessible during your visit.

How much time should I allocate for a visit to the cathedral?

A visit to the cathedral can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your interest in the history and art inside.

Parting Thoughts

As I reflect on my visit to St. Gallen Cathedral in Switzerland, I can’t help but feel awed by the history and beauty that surrounds this place. From the legend of Gallus to the intricate details of the cathedral’s architecture, every aspect of this site has a story to tell. The colorful frescoes, ornate stucco work, and stunning choir stall are a feast for the eyes. I felt a sense of reverence and wonder. A visit to St. Gallen Cathedral is not just a tourist attraction, it’s a journey through time and a glimpse into the spirit of Switzerland’s history and culture.

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