Visiting the Abbey Library of St. Gall

After visiting the Abbey Library of St. Gall this past weekend, I can say it really is a gem of a place. You’ll have to take my word for it as, unfortunately, no photography is permitted on the tours. You can see photos of the library and the exhibition spaces on the official web site, but really, everything is much more impressive in person.

Detail Summary

Where:	Abbey Library of St. Gall (Weltkulturerbe Stiftsbezirk) Canton St. Gallen, Switzerland
Train	Zürich HB -> St. Gallen 1 hr – 13 mins 5 – 10 minute walk from train station to the Abbey
Address:	Abbey Library of St. Gall Klosterhof 6D 9000 St. Gallen
What:	Self-Guided Tour of the Abbey Library, Vaulted Cellar, and Exhibition Space Guided tours also available
Cost 2022:	Self-guided Tour: Adult – 18 CHF Children (under 16) – Free when accompanied by an adult Tickets can be purchased on-line or on-site

Touring the Abbey Library, Vaulted Cellar, and Exhibition Space

We did the library tour, vaulted cellar tour and the exhibition space, where we saw the original drawing of the Abbey grounds from 900. In the vaulted celler, we saw the Evangelium Longum, a manuscript from 894 that looked like the MCU Power Gauntlet but in book form with a carved ivory cover and gold bindings and gems. The library itself was also very impressive. In fact, it felt like the library all magical libraries are modeled on. As I mentioned earlier, no photos are allowed, but there are some photos on the official web site.

The St. Gallen old town area is absolutely adorable as well. I didn’t take any pictures this time, but I am almost certain that I will go back. I will update this post with pictures when I do.

Anyway, it was incredibly cool and I highly recommend giving the Abbey Library of St. Gall a visit.