The St. Gall Abbey Library, also known as the Stiftsbibliothek, is not just a collection of books, but a true monument to history and culture. Founded in the 8th century, it is one of the oldest and richest monastery libraries in the world. Its history dates back to the time when St. Gall, an Irish monk, established a hermitage on the site, giving rise to the future abbey and city of St. Gallen.

Today's library building, erected between 1758 and 1767, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Stepping inside, visitors are immediately charmed by the splendor and elegance of the interior. The ceiling is decorated with impressive frescoes by Josef Wannenmacher, depicting scenes from the lives of saints and allegorical representations of teachings. Richly decorated dark wood bookcases reach almost to the ceiling, filled with thousands of leather-bound volumes.

One of the most distinctive features of the library is its floor. Made of wood and inlaid, it creates intricate patterns that are works of art in themselves. It is because of this delicate floor that visitors must wear special felt shoe covers, which adds an extra, almost ceremonial touch to the visit.

The atmosphere in the library is unusual - the silence broken only by the whispering of visitors and the gentle creaking of the wooden floors creates an aura of concentration and contemplation. The light streaming in through the high windows reflects off the gilded decor, giving the interior a warm, pleasant glow.

The library of St. Gall's Abbey is not only an architectural marvel, but above all a treasure trove of knowledge and culture. Its collection of more than 170,000 volumes includes manuscripts dating from the 8th to the 15th centuries, incunabula and old prints. Among the most valuable exhibits is the Plan of Sankt Gallen from the 9th century - the oldest known architectural plan of a Benedictine monastery in Europe.

The library's collection of manuscripts is unique not only for their age, but also for their thematic diversity. There are works of theology, philosophy, medicine, law, as well as fiction. Many of these manuscripts are richly illuminated, being not only a source of knowledge, but also true works of art.

One of the most important aspects of the library is its role in preserving and providing access to cultural heritage. In 1983, the abbey and its library were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its exceptional value to humanity. As a result, the library is not just a place to store old books, but a living center for research and education.

Visitors to the library have the opportunity to see not only the books themselves, but also to learn about the process of their creation and preservation. An exhibition on the lower level of the building takes a closer look at the history of writing, paper production and the development of printing. It is a fascinating journey through the history of communication and knowledge transmission.

It is worth noting that despite its historical character, the library is not just a museum. It still performs its original function - it is a place of study and scientific research. Scholars from all over the world come here to explore the mysteries of the past contained in ancient manuscripts.

When planning a visit to the St. Gall Abbey Library, it is worth keeping in mind a few practical aspects that will help you fully enjoy this remarkable experience. The library is located in the heart of St. Gallen, at Klosterhof 6D, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland. It is easily accessible to both those walking through the city center and those using public transportation.

An entrance ticket to the library entitles you to visit three different exhibitions within the abbey complex, providing an excellent opportunity to fully explore the history and significance of the site. Ticket prices are subject to change, so it is always advisable to check the official website for up-to-date information: https://www.stiftsbezirk.ch/de/.

Before entering the actual library room, visitors are asked to leave their personal belongings in the locker room, which is located on the lowest level of the building. Lockers are available there where you can safely store your belongings. This is important because photography is strictly prohibited in the library itself, as well as bringing large bags or backpacks.

One of the most distinctive elements of the visit is the need to put on special felt shoe covers before entering the library room. These serve to protect the valuable historic floor. However, it is worth remembering that these overlays can be quite slippery, so move carefully.

The library enjoys a high rating among visitors, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5. Visitors emphasize the unusual atmosphere of the place, the richness of the collections and the beauty of the architecture. Many describe the place as 'magical' and 'transporting back in time'.

Let's remember that the St. Gall Abbey Library is not just a tourist attraction, but first and foremost a place of study and contemplation. Remaining quiet and respectful of our surroundings will allow us and other visitors to fully appreciate the uniqueness of this place. It is worth reserving enough time to quietly view all the exhibitions and enjoy the atmosphere of this remarkable place, which will certainly remain in your memory as one of the most impressive cultural experiences.