90 nations make the Heiligkreuz neighborhood come alive

Past the Olma trade fairs, the Langgasse leads right into the heart of the Heiligkreuz quarter. A quarter that is quiet and green not far from the main road, but just as lively and diverse. Residents of the quarter from a wide variety of backgrounds give Heiligkreuz its very own lively character.

When the sun is shining, many St.Gallen residents meet at the Bach area. Whether it's to enjoy their lunch break on the large square or to stop by for an after-work beer at Gustav Gleis. In addition, events are held regularly, as Melanie Diem, president of the Areal Bach association, says. "Flea markets are held, corporate events, birthday or wedding parties, and recently we also held the first Areal Bach open air." What used to be a wasteland has turned into one of the meeting places of the Heiligkreuz neighborhood. The Areal Bach is much more than event space and the gastronomic offerings. There is the cultural garden, where 25 parties - regardless of age and origin - garden together, and there is a learning garden for children.

The children's building site, which was held for the first time in 2021, is part of the Bach area. Samuel Roth from the open work with children St.Gallen draws a positive feedback: "The offer was well received by children and parents. The feedback was very positive," says Roth. The children were able to craft and build there entirely according to their ideas. "We are clarifying whether we can hold the children's building site again next year in 2022. In a place like this, the children learn how to implement their own ideas, are allowed to be creative and also learn how to deal with frustration," says Roth. There has never been a comparable offer in the Heiligkreuz neighborhood.

After dinner, you can stroll past the Boccia Club to the Espenmoos Stadium, a place that means jubilation, frustration and cold beer for many St.Gallen residents. FC St.Gallen used to play its games there, but today the soccer field is still bustling. The Espenmoos family garden club is just as lively. It has existed for about 75 years. 95 tenants cultivate their own vegetables and beautiful plants here. "Espenmoos is a beautiful site where you can also relax after work," says Martin Schmid, president of the association. Many nations also come together here to garden and barbecue, which is appreciated by Nadja Melko and Frank Gfeller, for example. "We live in the neighborhood and appreciate the liveliness, the good neighborhood and the diversity. A big advantage for us is the proximity of the city to nature. You can see the edge of the city and the greenery behind it almost from everywhere," the two say. They originally came to St.Gallen for new jobs, but then stayed and even founded their company ArchaeoLytics here, which offers research and teaching as a service for archaeology and art. "St.Gallen is an underestimated city and is welcome to have more self-confidence." So if you want to get to know the Heiligkreuz-Quartier better, you have plenty of opportunities - whether it's eating out, having an after-work drink or shopping in the small, special stores.