Central Post Office and Train Station

History: In line with the zeitgeist of Art Nouveau, functionality and aesthetics went hand in hand: technical innovation and style were inseparable. The architects’ inspiration for the floor plans with comparable open spaces came from „Piazza delle Erbe“ in Verona, Italy. Architecture: The entrance hall of the new train station is flanked by two solid tower bases. The four-story sandstone facade is surrounded by strong pilasters, which reach until the extended roof. The central post office, too, was given a new building – with a large tower. The two four-story buildings with steep hipped rooves dominate the square. The monumental Art Nouveau hall with painted ceilings, mosaics and sculptures remains today. Present-day use: The turn of the century marked a turn towards increased mobility throughout Switzerland. Extensive transport infrastructure projects like the train line St.Gallen-Paris non-stop or mountain railways in remote areas were built. Whilst the train station still serves its original purpose today, most of the central post office is now used for other things, such as the central post office library, which is run by the city and cantonal library.