The Upper Gate: Entrance to the Old Town

Since the 13^th c the Upper or Eastern Gate guarded the entrance to the town
from the Rhine Valley as well as from the Alpine passes in the Grisons. In 1408 the settlement was linked to the castle with a wall, with the Eastern Gate remaining as a simple opening in it. The gate was guarded and rebuilt by Anton Saxer in 1620. The gates were no longer significant by the late 18^th c. However, they were renovated when the Canton of St Gallen was founded and decorated with its coat of arms. In the Great Fire of 1811 the Upper Gate vanished forever. Today the restaurant sign “Obertor” still reminds us of the Upper Gate.