Old Town of Basel
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
Between the cathedral hill, the market square and the banks of the Rhine lies Basel's old town. You will discover Gothic church towers, a bright red town hall and winding alleys with over 200 fountains.
Basel's Old Town at a glance
Basel's old town is located on the left bank of the Rhine and follows the course of the former city wall from 1200. It can be easily explored on foot. Romanesque, Gothic and contemporary buildings stand side by side. The Basel Cathedral, the town hall on the market square and the medieval Spalentor are the most famous landmarks of the old town.
What to experience
Basel Cathedral and the Palatinate
The red sandstone cathedral sits enthroned on the cathedral hill and shapes the city's skyline. Inside, you'll find the tomb of the humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam. Over about 250 steps you reach the towers with a view as far as the Black Forest and the Vosges. Directly behind the choir, the Palatinate opens up with a panoramic view of the Rhine and Kleinbasel.
- Good to know: Admission to the cathedral is free, the climb to the tower is subject to a fee.
- Tip: There is a whispering arch at the Georgsturm – test it yourself.
Visit the market square and town hall
Basel's town hall with its bright red façade has stood on the market square since the early 16th century. You will visit the courtyard, council chamber and painted arcades. In front of the town hall, you can shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and regional specialities at the Basel City Market from Tuesday to Saturday.
- Good to know: The inner courtyard of the town hall is also accessible without a guided tour.
Alleys, fountains and Spalentor
From the market square, the Spalenberg leads you up to one of the most beautiful city gates in Switzerland: The Spalentor, completed around 1400 and 40.3 meters high. On the way, you will pass through alleys with over 200 fountains and town houses from the 15th century. The St. Alban with its old mill canals is worth a visit at the end of the tour.
- Good to know: The Spalentor can be visited from the inside on a guided tour.
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, many alleys in the old town are paved.
General information
| Season |
All year
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| Accessibility |
Partially accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Basel Tourismus
Aeschenvorstadt 36
4010
Basel
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)61 268 68 68
info@basel.com
basel.com
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