Wil is a city and political municipality in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. The city has a small-town character. Wil’s Old Town includes Marktgasse, Kirchgasse, Hofplatz and historic houses. Those interested in architecture and history will find several different perspectives on the town here.
Old Town and Hof zu Wil
Hof zu Wil is the city’s landmark and original nucleus, as well as a cultural monument of national significance. For more than 500 years, the prince-abbots of St. Gallen resided at the Hof; Wil is also known as the “Abbey City.” This makes the Hof an integral part of Wil’s history, while the surrounding Old Town lanes draw attention to other historic houses.
On Hofplatz, the Baronenhaus shapes the townscape with its imposing structure, tower, prominent arcade and decoratively painted façade. It was built as a manor house in 1607 and features late Gothic elements. Hof zu Wil and the Baronenhaus thus represent different aspects of the historic town centre: one is significant as a landmark and the city’s original nucleus, while the other is a single building with clearly defined architectural features.
Art, Monastery and Pilgrimage History
Kunsthalle Wil regularly offers guided tours, artist talks and workshops. Individual dates may vary; if a particular format is important to your trip, check the current programme. A monastery relocated from St. Gallen was re-established in Wil in 1607. Its church was remodelled in the mid-17th century in the late Baroque style and impresses with its superb furnishings.
On the outskirts of the town lies the Maria Dreibrunnen Chapel, a regional pilgrimage destination. Its founding is associated with a fratricide in the House of Toggenburg in 1226 and a penitential chapel built afterwards. In the 17th century, it became a place of pilgrimage. The landscape around the pilgrimage church is characterised by fields, trees and individual farmsteads. This gives the site a different historical and landscape focus from the streets and buildings of the Old Town.
Views and Walking Routes
Wil Tower on Hofberg is built entirely of wood. A double spiral staircase leads up 189 steps to an observation platform at a height of 34 metres. From the tower, the view stretches from the Alpstein to Lake Constance. If you plan to visit as a walk, you can take the signposted circular route from Wil railway station to the tower and back. Allow a good one and a half hours; check the latest route information when planning your trip.
A trip to Maria Dreibrunnen Chapel can be combined with a visit to Wil Tower. This lets you connect the chapel’s pilgrimage history and rural landscape with the view from Hofberg. In the town itself, Stadtweier is a pleasant place for a quick lunch, a walk in nature or a rest on a park bench. It offers a different kind of break from exploring historic buildings.
A Playful Exploration and Advent
The Foxtrail offers a playful way to explore Wil, with clever puzzles, teamwork and a good dose of sleuthing. On the Foxtrail Atlas, the route starts at Cinewil, right by Wil railway station, and takes you along unexpected detours and through the car-free pedestrian zone to Stadtweier. Routes may change, so check the current itinerary before setting off.
During Advent, the traditional Christmas market takes place over three days, from Friday to Sunday. It features arts and crafts, handmade items and gifts, as well as a rich culinary selection of dishes from around the world. If the market is the reason for your trip, check the exact event dates in advance; individual vendors may change.
For a stay focused on city history, Hof zu Wil, the Baronenhaus and the Old Town offer a range of architectural points of interest. Those who would rather enjoy a view or explore the town in a playful way can make Wil Tower or the Foxtrail Atlas the focus of their visit. Maria Dreibrunnen Chapel adds pilgrimage history and a landscape of fields, trees and farmsteads to the mix.
Discover more destinations: Flawil, Niederbüren, Uzwil, Oberuzwil, Degersheim, Rossrüti, Zuzwil.
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