"Sankt-Gallen - at the heart of Eastern... " a Sankt Gallen Travel Page by amsterdam_vallon

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 theďate 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.

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.