It's a beautiful cathedral! It's a fine example of Baroque architecture inside and outside. The…read morevaulted and arched ceilings are all encased with beautifully detailed frescoes featuring St. Gallus along with Biblical figures and cherubs. The color scheme of the ceiling and trim (aqua, coral, and gold) really highlights these paintings. The contrast with the white columns makes it look like a colorful tiered topping on a wedding cake. It may not be as ornate as the cathedrals in Italy, but it's most certainly elegant in style. The one common thing that I did notice in the cathedrals of Switzerland is that there is still a separation between the sacred part of the church (or chancel) and the rest of sanctuary. It's nice that they've kept that tradition, but it doesn't allow visitors to truly see everything. I would have loved to see the Bell of St. Gallen, but that whole area is gated by the tall screen. Maybe it's to protect all of these religious symbols. Can you tell that I'm not Catholic? The facade of the cathedral is just as beautiful with the clock towers and statues. It's the main focal point in St. Gallen as it should be. The city around it is very charming as well. Make sure you take a walk around the grounds and city while you're there. There's all kinds of medieval architecture to discover while you're there. Very enjoyable!

This church is a must if you are visting St.Gallen!!!read more

The current cathedral wasn't the original church built at this site, there had been several…read morepredecessors. The current building was built start around 1755, and is one of the last monumental Baroque buildings in Europe. Typically, in a cathedral building one would find the entrance between the two towers, but here you enter by the backside. It was fun to watch several confused people in the courtyard trying to find the entrance. Once you manage to find the entrance you will be impressed by the brightness of the white interior and amazed by the green stucco work, rose marble altars, gilded altar screen, large ceiling frescoes, and abundance of cherubs spying on you from every corner. Beneath the apse there is a small crypt, but it wasn't open. Also, there is no access to climb either of the towers. Overall, the interior took my breath away, and my eyes were always catching something new as I walked throughout the lovely church.

My love of elaborate architecture brought us to Fürstabtei Sankt Gallen, with its double spires and…read moreattractive red, blue and golden detailing. The massive structure is a massive centerpiece for St. Gallen, Pass through a narrow wooden door into the sanctuary and stand in awe: murals painted across the ceiling, iron gates clad with gold flowers, teakwood furnishings and a gigantic, three-story-tall wardrobe. No matter where I stood in this kirche, the view was breathtaking. Every position reveals a new glimpse into the decor. The best view is from the baptismal in the rear, looking forward towards the alter. The size and detail of Fürstabtei Sankt Gallen can be experienced in all its glory. Take your time walking back though; there is much to see along the way. Viewing Time: 45 minutes Cost: Free

This week I was walking in the Altstadt of this great city and as I approached the city center,…read morewhere the UNESCO Cathedral and Stiftsbibliotek is located as well as the lesser visited, but also very beautiful, St. Lorenzen Reformiert Landeskirche. I was surprised to notice that there would be a lunchtime piano concert of Bach performed by a Swedish-German woman who tickeled the ivories with such grace and excellence that I was, for 30 minutes exactly in the middle of a hectic week, transported to another time and place of complete peace and tranquility. For those of you fellow city friends I recommend not only window shopping or having a good meal at mid-day, but also taking the time to notice the opportunities and cultural gifts that living in or visiting such a city provides!