Gallen is both a canton and a city in the eastern part of Switzerland. In , an Irish monk called Gallus chose this spot for his hermitage. Later on, in , a Benedictine abbey was founded.
With the addition of a library in the 9th century, it became a center of learning. The famous cathedral and abbey library are a must to visit. The whole abbey precinct was declared a World Cultural Heritage in Gallen was an important producer of linen which was exported throughout Europe.
Gallen's embroidery is known around the world. The town spreads over the nearby hills, which are scattered with huge blocks of buildings such as the Sankt Gallen Graduate School of Economics, Business and Public Administration HSG , decorated by many artists from the Gallen features one of the most picturesque old towns in Switzerland: many of the houses and buildings being from the 16th and 18th century, sometimes with painted facades, often adorned with wrought-iron signs and carved and painted wooden oriel windows.
Walk along the pleasant alleys and browse through the many small and charming shops. Gallen's main attraction is its magnificent cathedral and the medieval center with the many half-timbered houses and oriel windows. Take a stroll through the old town and go back in time. Gallen Cathedral Built from β by the architects Peter Thumb and Johan Michael Beer, the cathedral is a marvelous work from the late baroque period.
The exterior is plain, forming a striking contrast to the opulently painted and decorated interior. The malachite-green statues and the many lights create a serene atmosphere in the church. The harmony of the building stems from the main dome over a rotunda in the exact center of the great structure.
