Switzerland Guide
Ostschweiz and Liechtenstein
The cathedral
St Gallen's giant Baroque cathedral is unmissable, its twin towers visible from most points. Designed by one Peter Thumb from Bregenz, it was completed in 1767 after just twelve years' work. Easiest access is through the west door on Gallusstrasse, although it's worth making your way through the church and out into the enclosed Klosterhof, at the heart of the complex, where you can gaze up at the soaring east facade. To the left is the palace wing, still the residence of the Bishop of St Gallen.
The interior is vast, a broad, brightly lit white basilica with three naves and a central cupola. Although not especially high, it has a sense of huge depth and breadth thanks to its accomplished architecture: from the sandstone of the floor and wood of the pews, fanciful light-green stuccowork – characteristic of churches in the Konstanz region – draws your eye up the massive double-width pillars to the array of frescoes on the ceiling, which are almost entirely the work of one artist, Josef Wannenmacher. Above the western end of the nave is a panel showing Mary surrounded by angels. The central cupola shows paradise, with the Holy Trinity, apostles and saints. Details throughout the rest of the cathedral are splendid: the lavish, mock-tasselled pulpit; the ornate choir screen; the richly carved walnut-wood confessionals; the intricate choir stalls; and, far away at the back of the choir, the high altar flanked by black marble columns with gold trim. The south altar features a bell brought by Gallus on his seventh-century journey from Ireland, one of the three oldest surviving bells in Europe.
Opening time: Mon– Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 12.15–5.30pm
Price: Free