Magnificient Swiss library

One of the world’s oldest libraries can be visited at the Abbey of St. Gall (Klosterhof 6D, Postfach, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland). With origins in the 7th century AD, the abbey library houses thousands of unique manuscripts, many regularly on display in the Baroque Hall, an intricately decorated gallery with painted ceilings and winding bookcases.

At the hall until Nov. 12, 2017, the exhibit “Sanitarium for the Soul” follows the history of the library and its collections.

The Baroque Hall is open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (but is closed Nov. 13-28, 2017). The entry fee, CHF12 (near $12), includes access to the Lapidarium, with stone artifacts such as statues and epigraphs. An audio guide costs CHF5. Access to special collections, manuscripts and the second floor is allowed only to scholars with prior permission. Visit www.stibi.ch/en-us/info.