Key Points

Duration: 1.5 hours, led by a live German-speaking guide
Focus: Medical history of old St. Gallen, including the city’s oldest hospital and historic medical practices
Highlights: Switzerland’s oldest hospital, stories of plague doctors like Vadian, and the ‘Siechenmütter’ caregivers
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with some content shown in its original language
Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later options

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Explore the Historic Medical Sites of Old St. Gallen

This public city tour titled “Medicine in old St. Gallen” offers a fascinating look into Switzerland’s medical past, lasting 1.5 hours. Led by a live guide speaking German, the tour takes visitors through St. Gallen’s historic center and reveals how health and sickness were understood in earlier centuries.

Starting point details are not specified, but the focus is on notable sites like Switzerland’s oldest hospital and the city’s historic areas. The experience is suitable for those interested in history, medicine, or local culture, and the wheelchair accessibility makes it inclusive for many visitors.

The tour is well-rated with a 4.7-star rating, and offers free cancellation if plans change, along with a reserve now, pay later option—making it flexible for travelers planning ahead.

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Discover Switzerland’s Oldest Hospital and Its Significance

One of the main highlights of this tour is visiting Switzerland’s oldest hospital. The guide explains why the hospital was founded and discusses its role in the city’s health care over the centuries.

This site provides a concrete example of medical infrastructure in old St. Gallen. Visitors learn about the evolution of healthcare, from faith and superstition to early scientific approaches. The historical context helps visitors understand how medical practices and priorities changed over time, making the visit both educational and engaging.

Meet the Plague Doctors and Historical Medical Figures

A key feature of this tour is meeting plague doctors like Vadian and learning about rebels like Paracelsus. These figures, known for their impact on medical practice and thought, are brought to life through stories and anecdotes shared during the walk.

The tour also highlights dedicated midwives and the ‘Siechenmütter’, women who cared for the weakest in society. These stories reveal the various roles women played in healthcare and how public health efforts were organized in the past.

Understanding Baths: More Than Just Cleansing Spots

The tour explains why baths in old St. Gallen were much more than places for cleanliness. Historically, baths served medicinal and social purposes, and were often linked to health treatments or beliefs about healing.

Visitors discover the importance of bathhouses in the context of preventing or curing illness and how these practices influenced the health policies of the city. This insight offers a glimpse into the intersection of social life and medicine in earlier times.

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How City Authorities Managed Epidemics and Waste

A notable part of the tour covers how city authorities battled epidemics, managed waste, and regulated drinking water. These efforts reflect public health measures that helped control disease outbreaks and improve urban hygiene.

Concrete episodes illustrate epidemic responses and sanitation efforts, providing a clear picture of public health challenges faced by old St. Gallen. These stories help visitors appreciate the efforts to contain illness before modern medicine.

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Medical Practices and Miracles: Wounds, Cupping, and Cures

Throughout the tour, visitors hear about medical treatments like cupping and wound care, along with miracle cures that shaped everyday life. These episodes reveal the seriousness and sometimes curiosity surrounding medical treatments in historic St. Gallen.

Descriptions of wound doctors and their techniques, alongside superstitions and healing rituals, paint a vivid picture of how people sought health in times when scientific medicine was still emerging.

The Historic Center: A Walk Through Time

The tour’s route takes visitors through St. Gallen’s historic city center, where architecture and old streets set the scene for centuries of medical history. You’ll see buildings and landmarks that played roles in healthcare and public health.

This walk allows for visual appreciation of the city’s heritage, while the guide shares stories about sites connected to medicine and health. It’s a great way to see the city’s historic fabric while learning about its medical past.

Practical Information: Timing, Accessibility, and Booking

The tour is designed for easy access with wheelchair accessibility and is conducted in German. It’s recommended to check availability for the starting times, which are not specified but can be confirmed during booking.

Reservations are flexible: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. This flexibility suits travelers with unpredictable schedules or those visiting St. Gallen for a short stay.

Why This Tour Offers a Unique Perspective on St. Gallen

This “Medicine in old St. Gallen” tour provides more than just a walk through the city — it offers a storytelling experience about the medical practices, social efforts, and personalities that shaped public health over centuries.

Its focus on concrete episodes and historical figures makes it engaging and informative. The accessible format and short duration of 1.5 hours make it ideal for those wanting a compact, insightful glimpse into St. Gallen’s health history.

While it covers broad themes, it remains grounded in local sites and stories, giving visitors a sense of place and time. It’s well-suited for history buffs, medical enthusiasts, or anyone curious about how health and society intersected in old Switzerland.

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St. Gallen: Public city tour “Medicine in old St. Gallen”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many visitors.

In what language is the tour conducted?
The tour is led in German. Some content is shown in its original language, but the main narration is in German.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours, making it a manageable activity for most visitors.

What are the main highlights?
Major highlights include Switzerland’s oldest hospital, stories of plague doctors like Vadian, the role of midwives and ‘Siechenmütter’, and public health measures against epidemics.

Is this tour good for families or children?
While specific age recommendations aren’t provided, the tour’s focus on history and stories makes it suitable for older children and adults interested in medical history.

What is the cost of the tour?
Pricing details are not specified, but the tour offers flexible booking options and full cancellation policies.

Where does the tour start?
The exact meeting point isn’t listed here, but it focuses on St. Gallen’s historic center and likely begins at a central location.

Do I need prior knowledge of medicine or history?
No prior knowledge is needed; the guide explains concepts and stories in an engaging way suitable for all backgrounds.