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Abbey Library and its collection

Abbey Library
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The Abbey Library of Saint Gall, established in the 8th century, is one of the oldest and most significant monastic libraries in the world. It was rebuilt in the 18th century in the Baroque Rococo style, adding a touch of elegance and grandeur to its historical significance. This library is a part of the Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a place of interest for tourists who appreciate history, architecture, and culture.

Collection of the Library

The Abbey Library of Saint Gall is home to nearly 160,000 original works. This includes 2,100 manuscripts copied between the 8th and 15th centuries, 1,650 incunabula (books printed before 1501), and numerous codices, old books, and printed documents. This vast collection of historical texts provides a unique insight into the literary and cultural history of the period, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history, literature, and culture.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Abbey Library of Saint Gall is part of the Abbey of Saint Gall, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This recognition underscores the global significance of the library and the abbey, making it a noteworthy destination for tourists. Visitors can appreciate the historical and cultural value of the site, as well as its architectural beauty.

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DEStiftsbibliothek
ITBiblioteca dell'Abbazia di San Gallo
FRBibliothèque de l'abbaye de Saint-Gall
ESBiblioteca de la Abadía de San Gall
ENAbbey Library of Saint Gall
ENAbbey library of Saint Gall
DEStiftsbibliothek St. Gallen

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Historic house Language & Literature Religion

#21 History & Anthropology in Switzerland #12 Historic houses in Switzerland #1 Language & literature museums in Switzerland #3 Religion museums in Switzerland #1 History & Anthropology in Sankt Gallen #16 Language & literature museums in Europe #129 Religion museums in Europe

#21 History & Anthropology in Switzerland #12 Historic houses in Switzerland #1 Language & literature museums in Switzerland #3 Religion museums in Switzerland #1 History & Anthropology in Sankt Gallen #16 Language & literature museums in Europe #129 Religion museums in Europe
Abbey Library
Klosterhof 6d

Images of Abbey Library

Visitor information Abbey Library

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00
More opening hours

Admission

0 – 15Free
AdultsCHF 18.00
Adults (group of ten people or more)CHF 16.00
ApprenticesCHF 12.00
Apprentices (group of ten people or more)CHF 10.00
StudentsCHF 12.00
Students (group of ten people or more)CHF 10.00

Admission with Kultur-Legi CHF 5
Audio guide CHF 5

Free admission
– Swiss Museum Pass / Raiffeisen Member (financial card) / Swiss Travel Pass
– OSKAR / Bodensee Card PLUS
– Members of the «Freundeskreis der Stiftsbibliothek»
- Members of ICOM / VMS

More ticket prices

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Location & Map

Klosterhof 6d, Sankt Gallen

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Abbey Library have been found.

Abbey Library Reviews

Abbey Library has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Abbey Library in Sankt Gallen, Switzerland, also known as the Stiftsbibliothek, is a remarkable cultural treasure. Visitors consistently praise its breathtaking Baroque architecture and ornate decor, with many describing the ceiling and overall interior as stunning and awe-inspiring. The library houses an impressive collection of medieval manuscripts and early printed books, which are of great historical and academic interest. Many guests appreciate the audio guide, which provides valuable context and information about the library's history and contents. The library's atmosphere is often described as peaceful and serene, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the preservation of knowledge through the ages. Some visitors note that the visit is relatively short, typically lasting about 30-45 minutes, and photography is not allowed inside. A few mention that the entry fee might seem a bit high for the duration of the visit, but most find the experience well worth it. The library's location within the Abbey precinct adds to its appeal, with many recommending a visit to the cathedral and the rest of the UNESCO World Heritage site as well. Overall, the Abbey Library offers a unique and memorable experience that combines architectural beauty with historical significance.

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