Take a trip through the ages! In scarcely any other cityscape in the world are historic buildings from the 15th century so harmoniously blended with modern buildings designed by internationally-renowned contemporary architects.
Basel's Old Town is one of the prettiest and most intact in the whole of Europe. However, the city is also open to the new. In the last decades the city has grown into a veritable Mecca for lovers of architecture.
Local architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Morger & Degelo or Diener & Diener thrill the world with buildings that delight the senses and are particularly committed to improving and developing their native region.
However, award-winning foreign architects such as Richard Meier or Frank O. Gehry have also left their mark on the city. Today the Basel region contains buildings designed by no fewer than eleven Pritzker Prize-winning architects.
Basel landmarks
Many of the buildings in the Old Town have become true landmarks. For example the Basel Cathedral (Münster) and Pfalz viewing platform. Or the Mittlere Brücke. The famous Spalentor is also well-known far beyond the boundaries of the city.
St. Alban Quarter
With its romantic ambience and historical buildings, a visit to this part of the city is not to be missed! Trapped between the Rhine and the city centre, come and explore its narrow, winding lanes and watercourses.
Messeturm
Enjoy sunset in the highest bar in the city, the BarRouge, located at the top of the 105 metre tower designed by architects Morger & Degelo. A trip up this modern work of architectural art is rewarded by a remarkable panorama of the Basel skyline.
Vitra Design Museum
The Vitra Design Museum is one of the world's leading museums for industrial furniture design and is also home to several important works of architecture. Frank Gehry completed his first building in Europe on the museum campus and Zaha Hadid's first ever building also stands here.
The list of those who have designed the buildings on the Novartis St. Johann campus reads like a veritable who's who of international architecture. The list includes well-known names such as Sanaa, Peter Märkli and Herzog & de Meuron.
