Paracelsus walk

This tour is dedicated entirely to the two sides of the river Birsig valley that runs through the city. Walk along the Elftausendjungfern- Gässlein towards the Martinskirchplatz. Ceremonial state occasions often take place in the Martinskirche. The impressive façades of the large town houses bear witness to the wealth of the old city of Basel. This area is now home to some of the public administration offices. The route then leads along narrow alleys and steps back to the valley. You wouldn’t know it, but in the Falknerstrasse you cross the Birsig river, which has run underground between Heuwaage and Schifflände to the Rhine for over a hundred years. Now it’s time to explore the other side of the valley. Follow the old craftsmen’s alleys until you reach the Leonhardskirche and the Lohnhof. Once home to the city’s construction and salary office, and later a prison, the Lohnhof now houses apartments, the HMB – Musikmuseum, and a small hotel with a restaurant. Now take the medieval alleys back to the historic Marktplatz. The last set of steps leads past the Pharmaziemuseum der Universität Basel, which still houses tools used during Paracelsus’ time.

Paracelsus (actual name Theophrastus of Hohenheim; 1493 – 1541). Basel city doctor from 1527 to 1528, prominent tutor of natural remedies and therapist.