Basel’s Old Town 

The narrow alleyways and hidden squares with over 200 fountains as well as the many century-old buildings and eye-catching sights such as the Town Hall or the Cathedral combine to make Basel’s Old Town one of the most beautiful and intact of its kind in Europe. 

As charming as ever

Basel’s Old Town features an architectural diversity that is second to none. The Mittlere Brücke, as it stands today, was completed in 1905. Its predecessor, however, had already been built around 1220. From the bridge, you have an amazing view of the skyline of Basel and of the Basel Cathedral (Münster). Our Cathedral has stood gracefully above the city for over 800 years. Definitely a must-see! You can visit the magnificent church and cloisters and climb the 250 steps to the top of the towers during the Cathedral’s opening hours – the view is definitely worth it.

The Pfalz is the terrace behind the Cathedral and an excellent vantage point. Take a break here and enjoy the view over Kleinbasel, the Rhine, the Black Forest and the Vosges mountains. The Spalentor was one of the original eight city gates that were part of the outer wall. Situated on the important trade route towards Alsace, this gate saw many traders and travellers passing through. This is probably also why it is one of the most beautiful and magnificent city gates in Switzerland. How fortunate that it has lasted through the centuries! Our remarkable and richly ornamented Town Hall is definitely worth a look. The Marktplatz in front is also a place to see: strolling through the market and sampling our delicacies, you can immerse yourself in our everyday life. Touristically one of the most beautiful among our districts, the St. Alban district, also known as Basel’s “Little Venice”, invites you to take a leisurely stroll through narrow alleys past ancient houses and mills, and never far from the water. Small streams, artificial canals dug by monks, and, of course, the Rhine – pure romanticism!

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