Abbey Library of St. Gallen

The Abbey Library of St. Gallen has existed for 681 years and holds around 177,000 catalogued items and books. Visitors enter the hall wearing felt slippers and see ornate ceiling paintings as well as bookshelves rising several metres high. Among the exhibits are the oldest surviving German book, dating from the year 790, and a replica of the St. Gallen Globe, whose original is in Zurich. A parchment book requires 200 to 300 sheepskins. The ticket costs 18 francs and also includes access to the vaulted cellar (Wölbekeller).