Basel attractions

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Basel is one of Switzerland’s most visited places, boasting numerous cultural and historical attractions.

As the country’s third-largest city, located in the northwestern part at the Swiss-German–French tripoint along the banks of the Rhine, it is often referred to as Switzerland’s cultural capital.

Attractions in Basel

Basler Münster

The Basel Cathedral is not only an important religious building in Basel but also one of the most significant in Switzerland.

The current church, mainly built in Romanesque style, started in the 12th century and was completed in the 13th century. It was later expanded with Gothic elements in the 14th and 15th centuries. It acquired its present form after being rebuilt following an earthquake in the 14th century. It became a Protestant church in the 16th century.

Its exterior makes it a dominant architectural symbol in the Swiss Rhine region. The facade and the two massive towers are covered in red sandstone, giving the building a distinctive color. Inside, the spatial arrangement and decorations represent a mix of architectural styles from different eras. The naves are covered by high Gothic vaults, while the stained-glass windows depict biblical stories and local saints.

The church houses the sarcophagus of Queen Anne of Habsburg and her son, Charles. It also features the famous tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam, a humanist scholar and theologian who died in Basel.

Marktplatz

The marketplace has been a center of commerce, politics, and social events since the Middle Ages.

The most significant building here is the Rathaus, or Town Hall, which stands out with its impressive appearance and ornate facade. Originally built in the 14th century, it has been expanded and modified several times in the 16th century and later, now displaying a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles.

The square is surrounded by various shops, cafes, and restaurants, and a market is regularly held here.

Spalentor

The Spalen Gate is one of Basel’s best-preserved medieval city gates and an important part of the city’s historic core.

Built in the 14th century, the gate was one of the main entrances to the city. At this time, Basel became an important commercial and scientific center in Europe. Several city gates were demolished in the 19th century, but fortunately, this one was preserved for posterity.

The gate is of solid construction, with high towers covered in tiles. Inside the gate, you can see the coat of arms decorations and Gothic arches.

St. Johanns-Tor

The St. John’s Gate is another significant former city gate that has been preserved.

Also built in the 14th century, it was named after the nearby St. John’s Monastery, which once stood close to the gate. It has been expanded and reinforced over time.

While not as imposing as the Spalentor, it has largely retained its original medieval form. It’s worth a walk here, as the Rhine is just a few minutes away.

Mittlere Brücke

Basel’s iconic bridge connects the old town with the pedestrian street Greifengasse on the opposite side.

Built in 1225, it is one of the oldest surviving bridges along the Rhine. The bridge has played a key role over the centuries as one of the main crossing points on the Rhine, linking Northern Europe with Southern Europe.

A notable feature is the Käppelijoch chapel in the middle, which was built for the protection of travelers. Its tiled roof is decorative, and many padlocks hang on its door grills.

Tinguely Fountain

The fountain is not just an urban attraction. It is also an outstanding example of modern art, where the interplay of movement and water creates a unique experience.

Swiss kinetic artist Jean Tinguely designed and created it in the 1960s. The sculptures are made of metal and are equipped with water-driven mechanisms that set the sculptures in motion.

Offene Kirche Elisabethen

Next to the Münster, it is the other most important and spectacular church.

Built between 1857 and 1864 in the neo-Gothic style, the construction was funded by the city and its citizens. For this reason, it remains an important community venue to this day. This is reflected in its name: open church.

From the outside, the Gothic style is very apparent: tall, slender towers, rich sculptural decorations. Inside, the church is vast, with its most striking feature being the colorful stained glass windows. Alongside traditional Christian symbols, contemporary art pieces also find their place, indicating the church’s openness and diversity.

Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten der Universität)

The garden features a vast variety of plant species, serving not only as a place for outings but also as an important scientific center.

The garden officially opened in the 19th century and has been continuously expanding and evolving to showcase the impressive diversity of plants from around the world. It spans several hectares and consists of various horticultural and landscape elements, including outdoor beds, greenhouses, and thematic gardens.

It includes thousands of species, from local wild plants to rare and endangered species. Among the most famous are the orchids, carnivorous plants, and a multitude of trees and shrubs from tropical rainforests.

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Zoo Basel

One of Switzerland’s oldest and best-known zoos, it opened in 1874.

It is home to about 600 animal species from various continents. The zoo is especially renowned for its successful breeding programs, which have provided refuge for numerous endangered species, such as rhinoceroses, chimpanzees, and marine caimans.

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