Haus Jägerei (Hunting House)

History: The first known owner of the Jägerei house was Bartholomäus Steck, a brother-in-law of the St.Gallen reformer Joachim von Watt (also known as Vadian). Through marriage and inheritance, the house came into the possession of Vadian's grandson David Zollikofer. Both the Steck and Zollikofer families belonged to the upper classes of St. Gallen, who had acquired wealth through the canvas trade and influence through political office. The immediately adjacent buildings on Gallusplatz - such as the Haus zur Wahrheit (Gallusstrasse 26) - were also owned by members of this economic and social elite. The lifestyle of these families also included the use of coats of arms and, in some cases, aristocratic titles. All the families who owned the houses on Gallusplatz also owned prestigious country estates in the surrounding area, at least for a time. Architecture: The external appearance of the Jägerei house is in two parts, with the massive northern and southern parts appearing separate from the outside. This structure reflects the original use: the northern part was used to store merchandise, while the southern part housed living quarters. The oldest parts of the building date from around 1500; it was extended in 1597. It was given its present form around the middle of the 18th century, when the southern part was adapted to the northern part and the striking bay window was added (1756). It is the only three-storey front oriel in the town and is not, as usual, located in the central axis of the house front, which in turn emphasizes the division of the house into two parts. Current use: Today, the Jägerei is home to the DomZentrum. The property is used for religious, cultural and educational purposes. It houses the offices of the deanery and the administration of the Catholic parish of St.Gallen.