Along to the Cathedral and the Abbey Library there are more buildings which belong to the UNESCO World Culture Heritage.
The Lapidarium (collection of valuable stone pieces and sculptures) is housed in a modern vaulted cellar under the West Wing of the monastery complex. The most important items on display are archaeological finds relating to the Carolingian monastery built from 830 - 837. The early medieval pieces are among the most outstanding examples of Carolingian architectural sculpture with the unique capitals to the columns regarded as partiuclarly striking. The acclaimed travelling exhibition "The Culture of the Abbey of St.Gallen" has been given a permanen home in one of the side wings. The exhibition presents dupicates (models, illuminated panels, castings, photographs) of the most beautiful treasures belonging to the Abbey Library and Abbey Archives.
The Karlstor on the eastern side of the Abbey District is the only remaining gate of eight outer gates in the city wall. It was built in 1569/70 and named after Carlo Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan. This leading representative of the counter-reformation in Switzerland is said to have been the first person to ride through the gate. The gate was used by the Abbot to visit his subjects in rural areas. It south side is adorned by a renaissance coat of arms, which is unique in Switzerland. Above is portrayed Christ on the cross with Mary and Joseph, flanked on the left by the papal coat of arms and on the right by the imperial coat of arms with the double eagle. The monastery coat of arms beneath has four fields: a bear (St.Gallen Monastery), the Agnus Dei (incorporated Monastery of St Johann in Thurtal), the family coat o f arms of the builder (Abbot Otmar Kund), a dog (from the abbey acquisition of Toggenburg).
Documents and records of the former monastery are stored in the Abbey Archives. The most important part of the St. Gallen World Heritage site consists of the approximately 1,000 original documents dating from 700 to 1000 AD. The St. Gallen National Archives has been Switzerland’s official archives since 1803. As the largest of its kind in eastern Switzerland, the National Archives safeguards the country’s history and stores countless private archives as well.
