22/09/2026
Abbey Library of Saint Gall in Switzerland is one of the oldest monastery libraries in the world. Founded by Saint Othman the original library was the only remaining building that survived a fire in 937 that destroyed most of the abbey. The collection was relocated to the beautiful Rocco style hall designed by the architect Peter Thumb in a Rococo style between 1758 and 1767. There is a Greek inscription above the entrance door, ΨΥΧΗΣ ΙΑΤΡΕΙΟΝ (psukhēs iatreion). It translates as “healing place for the soul”, based on an inscription at the Library of Ramesses II. This library houses one of the most important collections in the world today, manuscripts and texts spanning 12 centuries.