Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen
Sankt Gallen
The Abbey Library of Saint Gall, located in St. Gallen, Switzerland, is one of the oldest and most significant monastic libraries worldwide. Founded by Saint Othmar, the library survived a devastating fire in 937 that destroyed much of the Abbey but left the collection intact. The library hall, built between 1758 and 1767 by architect Peter Thumb, is a masterpiece of Rococo architecture, featuring a Greek inscription above the entrance translating to "healing place for the soul." The collection includes nearly 160,000 volumes, with 2100 manuscripts dating from the 8th to the 15th centuries, including notable Irish, Carolingian, and Ottonian works, as well as 1650 incunabula. Manuscripts are displayed in glass cases topped by carved cherubs symbolizing the subject matter of the shelves beneath. The library also houses the mummy of Shep-en-Isis and the manuscript B of the Nibelungenlied. A digital project, e-codices, offers online access to over 900 manuscripts from the library, enhancing its global reach and scholarly importance. The Abbey Library and the entire Abbey complex were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, recognizing their outstanding cultural and historical significance.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for guided tours. Photography may be restricted, so check rules beforehand. Explore the digital e-codices platform online to preview manuscripts. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. Check official opening hours as closures may occur for special events or maintenance.
Interesting facts
- •The Abbey Library of Saint Gall is one of the oldest monastic libraries in the world, with manuscripts dating back to the 8th century.
- •The library hall features a Greek inscription above the entrance meaning 'healing place for the soul', inspired by the Library of Ramesses II.
- •Each manuscript case is topped by a carved cherub that visually hints at the contents below, such as a cherub with a telescope for astronomy books.
- •The library holds the mummy of Shep-en-Isis, an ancient Egyptian artifact.
- •More than 900 manuscripts from the library are digitized and accessible online through the e-codices project.
- •The manuscript B of the medieval epic Nibelungenlied is preserved here.
History
The Abbey Library was founded by Saint Othmar alongside the Abbey of St.
Gall, originating from a monastic cell established by the Irish monk Saint Gallus around 612.
Despite a fire in 937 that destroyed much of the Abbey, the library's collection was preserved.
The Rococo library hall was constructed in the mid-18th century (1758–1767) by Peter Thumb.
The Abbey and its library flourished as a major cultural center during the Carolingian era and remained a vital intellectual hub until secularization in 1805.
In 1983, the library and Abbey were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2017, their documents were added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
Place Guide
Rococo Library Hall1758-1767
Designed by architect Peter Thumb between 1758 and 1767, this stunning Rococo hall features ornate woodwork, ceiling frescoes, and the Greek inscription over the entrance. It is the heart of the library and a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture.
Manuscript Collections8th to 15th centuries
The library houses over 2100 medieval manuscripts, including significant Irish, Carolingian, and Ottonian codices. These are displayed in glass cases topped with cherubs symbolizing the subject matter of the manuscripts below.
Incunabula and Early Printed BooksBefore 1500 and early 1500s
The collection includes 1650 incunabula, books printed before 1500, along with early printed works from the early 16th century, representing the transition from manuscript to print culture.
Digital Library (e-codices)Modern project
A virtual library project providing online access to over 900 digitized manuscripts from the Abbey Library, expanding accessibility for researchers and the public worldwide.
Contact
Phone: 071 227 34 16