Abbey Library of Saint Gall

Library · St. Gallen

Abbey Library of Saint Gall

Library · St. Gallen

1

Klosterhof 6D, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland

Photos

Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by Carismarkus (Atlas Obscura User)
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by Raphaël Labbé on Flickr (Creative Commons)
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by Chapeaumelon on Wikipedia (Creative Commons)
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by chippee on Wikipedia (Creative Commons)
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null
Abbey Library of Saint Gall by null

Highlights

Baroque rococo library with 170,000 texts, frescoes, mummy  

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Klosterhof 6D, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland Get directions

stiftsbezirk.ch
@stiftsbezirk_stiftsbibliothek

Information

Static Map

Klosterhof 6D, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland Get directions

+41 71 227 34 16
stiftsbezirk.ch
@stiftsbezirk_stiftsbibliothek

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Aug 9, 2025

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@atlasobscura

39 New Places in the Second-Edition Atlas Obscura Book

"There are beautiful old libraries and then there is the Abbey Library of Saint Gall, which may not only be one of the oldest surviving libraries in Europe but certainly one of the most beautiful.  According to the Abbey of Saint Gall’s website (Abtei St. Gallen in German), the earliest evidence of a library collection on the site dates back to around 820 CE, in plans that show a library attached to the main church. The Abbey is said to have followed the Rule of St. Benedict, a portion of which prescribes the study of literature, should a library available, so it is no wonder that the abbey itself would have been built with one. As the abbey grew over the years, so did its library, and soon the site became known for its collection of illuminated manuscripts and writings, as well as a leading center for science and Western culture around the 10th century. In the mid-18th century, the world-renowned collection was moved to a new library space which was lavishly decorated in a Baroque rococo style. Elaborate artworks were installed in the ceiling which were framed by flowing, curved moldings, giving the space a timeless and fantastical aspect. The wooden balconies are shaped into flowering shapes and designs. Oh, and also the books the historic collection was also on display if you could look past the surroundings to pay attention to them. Today the library at St. Gall is still considered nearly unrivaled in its beauty. It also now holds one of the more important collections in the world, covering 12 centuries of non-stop collecting. The collection even includes the first example of a architectural plan on parchment. But take your nose out of that book and revel in one of the most stunning libraries ever." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/new-places-atlas-obscura-2nd-edition
View Postcard for Abbey Library of Saint Gall

Kero Chan

Google
We walked in around one hour before closing and therefore we could only visit the library. You would need to put on cotton-made shoeson top of your own shoes to prevent damages to the wooden floor. The library itself is indeed stunning. Although I could not read any of the books but the decor, the drawings, and all of the details are just delightful to see. A dead mummy is placed inside the library. From what I could tell it is still preserved in good conditions; but if you are scared you could always skip that corner of the library.

JYOTSNA OBERAI

Google
The Abbey Library in St. Gallen is absolutely stunning - stepping inside feels like entering a fairytale. The baroque architecture, ancient books, and beautiful woodwork are breathtaking. The atmosphere is peaceful and inspiring, and the views of the historic Abbey district outside make it even more magical. A must-visit gem for book lovers, history fans, or anyone who loves beauty!

Isabella Filippi

Google
CHF 18 for the visit of the library, the cloister and the exhibition. This is the most beautiful (small) library that I’ve ever seen. There’s an ancient mummy inside. No spoiler: it’s impressive. There’s also a replica of a globe from the 1500’s. Incredible. The exhibition is worth the visit also.

Rumyana U-Lazarova

Google
Feeling how small and insignificant you are in front of all this beauty and splendor, in front of knowledge, in front of time. Whatever can be said, words are superfluous.

Vic

Google
Absolutely breathtaking place worth visiting if you are in Sankt Gallen! Stepping into the Library feels like entering a sanctuary where art, history, and knowledge converge! The regular ticket is CHF 18, but there is also a reduced ticket for the students CHF 12.

Yoah van Gelder

Google
The Abbey Library in St. Gallen is a breathtaking slice of history! It’s smaller than it looks in photos but still packs a big wow factor. Photos are allowed (sans flash), and yes, you get to wear slippers over your shoes—sliding on the wooden floors is half the fun! Highlights include the impressive old globe and the unexpected mummy at the back. The combo tickets are worth it, with fascinating exhibits about St. Gall and St. Gallen's legendary origins. A must-visit for history buffs and book lovers alike!

Anna Fernández

Google
As beautiful as the pictures, yes. Nothing more. 18 swiss francs for 24m^2. Just a room, expositioning manuscripts about sheets of music the monks wrote. The cathedral, much larger and majestic and FREE, is way more worth a visit. I would’ve payed 18 francs for entering the cathedral, the library? no.

Olha Faryma

Google
Super nice experience. There's a free guided tour on Saturday at 13.00 in German. Very interesting, took more than an hour. Without the tour you'd be fine in 5-10 mins.
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Anelya S.

Yelp
This is amazing! The most breathtaking place I've seen in forever! Absolutely stunning. Remember that scene from The Beauty and the Beast where he takes her to his library and opens the door? Well that's how I felt when the old double door were opened in front me! I forgot how to breath! The library of course not the same size as the Beast's one, but it's large probably 70 - 90 meters long. Old manuscripts, handwritten scrolls, medicine books. All the knowledge written to be passed along to the next generations. Yes, you can not take photos, so just enjoy remembering it.
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Mindy H.

Yelp
WOW!! I have seen pictures of this place ever since moving to Switzerland and it was on my list of must see places before ever moving away. When I entered the building that houses the library, there is nothing special. You purchase your ticket for 12 CHF which includes a visit to the library and Lapidarium located downstairs. You are instructed to first place all your belongings in a locker (no extra charge) before continuing with your visit. You will also need to put slippers on over your shoes as you enter into the library room. As you come to the entrance of the library you see a magnificent wooden door, but you can't quite peer around the corner to see what is inside. As I entered, my breath was taken away, this definitely is one of the top 10 best indoor places I have been too, and I can see why it is part of the UNESCO world heritage list since 1983, and reviewed as one of the finest library buildings in the world. This was the library of the former Benedictine monastery of St. Gall. The library was built in late baroque style at the same time as the cathedral 1758-1767. The library possesses 170,000 works, 2,100 manuscripts of which no less than 400 date from before the year 1000. The room itself is two floors, contains beautiful wood furnishings, and has amazing ceiling frescoes. There is so much to take in and look at all at the same time. There are also books on display to see. I was told the display rotates throughout the year. I could have shuffled around that room in my slippers for ages. After seeing the library, the Lapidarium was a let down. The Lapidarium can be found in the vaulted cellar of the library, it is home to architectural sculptures from the former church on site, and also an exhibit on the cultural history of the abbey. I would definitely go to the Lapidarium first and then end your experience in the library. TIP: On the web page http://www.cesg.unifr.ch you can access a virtual library of several hundred digitally photographed medieval St. Gall manuscripts free of charge.