In the Steinach valley between the Bodensee (Lake Constance) and the hills of Appenzell, St. Gallen has charm to spare. Its origins are linked to the little hermitage founded in 610 by a wandering Irish monk. His storey is surrounded by legend, which you will get to know better in our walking tour. This city grew out of the abbey. Most of the Altstadt (Old Town) is today a pedestrian zone paved in cobblestones, dotted with spacious squares and cafes. The wealthy textile merchants’ houses from the 15th to 18th century are famous for their many ornate oriels (bay windows). Together with the towers of St. Gallen Cathedral, and other decorative touches, much of the walking tour will be spent looking upwards.