Sightseeing in Sankt Gallen - what to see. Complete travel guide

The Swiss city St. Gallen is a well-developed industrial region. However, this is not the only notable fact about this place as much attention here is paid to the arrangement of the city, the restoration of ancient architectural structures, especially the facades of houses with numerous bay windows. Textile industry is among the well-developed sectors of the economy of the city. St. Gallen’s development started in the XV century. This place is also famous for its printing, paper, machinery industries, embroidery, as well as high-quality service sector.

The city got its name from the famous monk-preacher St. Gallus, who had settled on this land. Later Benedictine monasteries, which had been powerful in Europe at that time, started appearing here, turning the settlement into a city. The ancient abbey library, which had survived through centuries, is the priceless heritage and the memory of the city’s founder. The library is decorated in the rococo style. The library keeps a unique collection of ancient manuscripts and first printed books.

St. Gallen is the city of amazing architecture. Here not only historic monuments are beautifully decorated with stucco, frescoes and mosaics, but the ordinary houses as well. Living quarters are no less grand and stunning with their stone carvings and bas-reliefs. Among other attractions are St. Catherine's Monastery, the Cathedral, Charles Gates, numerous old towers, University of St. Gallen which has brought international fame to the city, and Textile Museum that exhibits best examples of fabrics, famous lace and amazing artistic compositions made of textile. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the medieval time, many defense installations were built in the city. The only remaining part of the city wall is the gates of St. Charles. They were built in 1570 for monastery priests. Through these gates, they could pass not facing with citizens. There were many serious conflicts between the abbey and the inhabitants of the city back then. Now, the ancient gate harmoniously fits into the city landscape. You can see a few old buildings and symbolic monuments nearby.

The most beautiful architectural monument is the Church of St. Lawrence. The very first church in its place was built in the 12th century. For many years, it remained not only religious, but political, and a cultural center. The exact date of the construction of the church which is seen today is unknown. The first written mention of it dates back to 1225. At the beginning of the 16th century, a beautiful organ, which is considered its main decoration, was established there.

In the vicinity of the city, travelers can visit ancient Rapperswil castle. It got its name in honor of the first owners, representatives of a noble family. The erection of the castle began in 1220 and lasted 10 years. Despite the solid age, the fortress was perfectly preserved to our days. It is located in a very beautiful suburban area. Next to the castle, popular pedestrian routes start. The most spectacular photos of the historical monument can be done in summer. At this time of the year, part of its facade is ivy-covered.

Nearby, is a beautiful Verdenburg castle. It is considered one of the most spectacular medieval castles in the region. It was built over 700 years ago. However, its appearance did not almost change. Now, within the walls of the castle is a Regional Museum. Its visitors can see many interesting historical exhibits and works of art of different eras. The museum has a large collection of ancient weapons and paintings of the 17th to 19th centuries. In some parts of the castle, the atmosphere of the past centuries was completely restored. There is also an ancient fighting platform in the fortress, which now serves as an observation platform for visitors. It is available for climbing for all comers.