World-Class Library Treasure Guide

This library is not only a treasure trove of books but its hall itself is a magnificent Baroque artwork, acclaimed as one of the "most beautiful libraries in the world." In 1983, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the monastery. ✅ Essential Practical Information · 📍 Address: Klosterhof 6D, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland · 🎫 Tickets: · Adults approximately 18 CHF (about 140 RMB), some sources indicate 12-18 CHF, please confirm on site. · Children under 16 usually free. · Free admission with Swiss Travel Pass. · ⏰ Opening Hours: Usually 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:45 PM). · 📅 Special Notice: From August 1 to October 31, 2025, opening time is advanced to 9:30 AM. · ⛔ Closed Days: Typically closed for 3 weeks in November-December annually. In 2025, closed from November 10 to 24 and December 24 to 25. Please check the official website before your visit. 📜 Highlights of the Visit 1. Baroque Hall: The hall is decorated with walnut and cherry wood, with exquisite frescoes on the ceiling, the essence of the entire library. 2. Medieval Manuscripts: The collection includes about 170,000 books, among which are 2,100 precious medieval manuscripts. 3. Monastery Floor Plan: The only surviving early 9th-century medieval architectural drawing, a valuable document in Western architectural history. 4. Egyptian Mummy: The library displays an Egyptian mummy about 2,300 years old, a "hidden gem" of the library. 💡 Travel Tips · Slippers Required: To protect the precious wooden floor, all visitors must change into special felt slippers provided by the library (worn over shoes) before entering the hall. This is a very unique experience. · Keep Quiet: The library is still regarded as a "pharmacy for the soul," so please maintain silence. Some bookshelves are locked and books cannot be touched. · Photography Rules: Photography is allowed, but flash is strictly prohibited. · Luggage Storage: Free lockers are available at the entrance; backpacks and large luggage must be stored. · Tour Route: Besides the main hall, don’t forget to visit the vaulted exhibition room underground, where more precious historical documents are displayed. 🚗 Transportation and Surroundings · How to Get There: Take a train from Zurich to St. Gallen station, about 1 hour direct. From the station, walk through the old town for about 10-15 minutes to reach the library. · Nearby Attractions: After visiting the library, you can also visit the nearby St. Gallen Cathedral (free admission), whose twin towers are a city landmark, with equally magnificent interior decorations. · Official Guided Tours: For a deeper understanding of the history, you can join the local old town public guided tour (about 1.5 hours), which usually includes tickets to the library and cathedral.