Weisses Roessli

111 oriels

by call_me_rhia

In Sankt Gallen you can find 111 oriels. Oriels are small wooden balconies that adorn old traditional homes - especially homes of rich merchants. All these oriels are carved and decorated; many date back to the 17th and 18th century, with their peak period between 1650 and 1720.

These oriels have a name each, often taken from the animal world. Some examples are Camel Oriel, Pelican Oriel and Swan Oriel. Obviouslt this had to do with the main design that was carven on them. The one in the photo has some lion-like creatures on it.

St. Gallen library

by ExoticGal

A UNESCO World Heritage.

Of course you're not allowed to take photos inside. But outside the view is stunning too. Just lying on the lawn reading some books (your own book, not stolen from the library heheh) is an enjoyment itself.

The Lapidarium

by amsterdam_vallon

Inside this you are able to see a collection of valuable buildings stones dating back to the 8th to 17th centuries.

- Opening hours :
2 December 2002 - 20 March 2003
Saturday and Sunday : 14:00 - 16:00
2 April 2003 - 21 December 2003
Daily : 14:00 - 16:00
- Admission :
Something like 4 chf

Sankt-Gallen - at the heart of Eastern Switzerland

by amsterdam_vallon

"History of Sankt-Gallen"

Here's a brief history of Sankt-Gallen

The city of St.Gallen owes its name and its existence to the wandering Irish monk Gallus, who came from Lake Constance around 612 to the high valley of Steinach.

ln the 8th century a monastery was erected around his cell, and later the city, ln the monastery of St.Gallen art and science were avidly cultivated, as is testified to in the world renowned library, where you can marvel over the many books and artefacts. The foundations of the library's tremendous literary treasure were laid in the Middle Ages. The ancient monastery edifices, ho-wever, did not withstand rime either; they were tom clown in the mid-18th century. At that rime the present baroque buildings were erected alongside the splendid cathedral.

ln the city of St.Gallen a so ca lied guild constitution was brought into being around 1350. Froin that rime onward, the six trade guilds and the association of elite businessmen, named «zum Notenstein», held sway over the city. Crafts and trade have flourished here since its beginnings, with linen production dominating until the 18th century, followed by the cotton and embroidery industries. The tradesmen of St.Gallen have actively sold their textiles since theïate Middle Ages.

As a result of the Helvetian revolution of 1798, the sovereign abbey, the city, and the republic of St.Galh(n were bereft of power. ln their stbd, the monastery was rebuilt and the city became the capital of the canton bearing the same name.

" Sankt-Gallen's Star Sight "

If you do a trip to Sankt-Gallen, you should at least see those :

- The Cathedral
- The Stiftsbibliothek
- The St. Laurenzen Church
- The Bay-windows of Sankt-Gallen
- The Old town streets

All those « star sights » will be explain in the « must see activities ».

"Unesco World Heritage List"

The Abbey Precincts (wich the Cathedral and the Librairy are the main features) is under the autority of the Unesco World Heritage since 1983.

This is the mission of this organisation:

Protecting natural and cultural properties of outstanding
universal value against the threat of damage in a rapidly developing world.

My St.Gallen Page

by rebibi

St. Gallen has several very good pages here on VT. I would like to show you our beautiful part of Switzerland called Appenzell and surrounding places. May be not so well known as St. Gallen but very beautiful too.
This picture with view to the Säntis (2502m) is taken from Schwägalp (1352 m). At the back of this mountain you have an exciting downhill in spring!
My page was transfered to Appenzell.