Kantonsbibliothek Vadiana (Cantonal Library Vadiana)

History: The origin of the library is the so-called Vadian Collection, named after the St.Gallen reformer Joachim von Watt (1484-1551), also known as Vadian. Shortly before his death, he bequeathed the collection to the city. It was reorganized by Jakob Studer in 1615 and has been continuously expanded ever since. The library, whose holdings were expanded by St.Gallen burgher families, was the cultural center of the city republic of St.Gallen for centuries. Architecture: Karl Mossdorf's Vadiana building, completed in 1907, embodies the aspirations of a cultural center that have grown out of tradition, both architecturally and artistically. The asymmetrical, striking building reveals its two main functions to the outside world: To the west is the villa-like administrative wing with offices and reading rooms as well as an attic apartment with stylishly curved hatches (skylights) in the mansard roof. To the east is a long building with a line of high, church-like arched windows. It houses the archive and library stacks. An entrance risalit with a heavy baroque-style portal and gable stands between these parts of the building. Inside the building - in the entrance hall and in the corridors - the many heavy and precious materials (limestone, sandstone, slate and all kinds of marble) are striking. A sixth of the construction costs are said to have been spent on stone carving! Colored marble panelling, Art Nouveau stucco work, coffered ceiling, artistic glazing and ironwork: The building is largely preserved in its original condition both inside and out. According to experts: the most beautiful Swiss library and archive building from the turn of the century. Today's use: Today, the Vadiana Cantonal Library houses the administration of the St.Gallen Cantonal Library (media can only be borrowed from the Main Post Office Library at Gutenbergstrasse 2 near the main railway station), the Vadian Collection of the local citizens' community of St.Gallen as well as the city archive of the political municipality and that of the local citizens' community of St.Gallen. Viewing of the various collections is possible by appointment.