Main alley in the core of the community is the historic alley, a kind of main street that carries many facets of the flair of Appenzell.
The stately Catholic church, with its wealth of styles, suggests a diverse architectural history. The first church on this square is mentioned as early as 1071 when the parish was founded. It is dedicated to St. Mauritius, which is why locals also call it “de Moritz”. Not far from the Catholic church is the Protestant church, with the exceptionally beautifully landscaped cemetery in between.
In 1597, the canton of Appenzell was divided into two independent cantons: Appenzell Ausserrhoden and the smaller Appenzell Innerrhoden. The canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden has been Catholic ever since. The church still plays an important role in Appenzell Innerrhoden today: church holidays such as Ascension, Pentecost, Corpus Christi and many more are proudly celebrated in the Appenzell festival costume when the weather is good. The canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden has been reformed since the division.
The Holy Cross Chapel on the main street was rebuilt after the devastating village fire in 1560. Ferdinand Gehr created the stained glass windows with the five mysteries of the painful rosary in 1964. The “Tafeen”, mainly found in the village center, are a special feast for the eyes. A “Tafeen”, originally a tavern, is a flagship not only for inns.
The main street with its neat, colorful houses is always a unique attraction for guests. The impressive town hall with the facade painting by August Schmid from Diessenhofen (1928) and the attached “Buherre Hanisefs” form the end of the tour.