This small but very picturesque town of the medieval era stands majestically on the Rhine. It is a large industrial chemical and pharmaceutical center, being called at the same time the city of science and art. The city has an interesting and very profitable location for attracting tourists: on the border of Germany, Switzerland and France. All the famous sights of Basel owe their origin to the centuries-old history, rich in events.
What to see in Basel first of all
It is worth coming up with a list of what to see in Basel in advance. In a Large and Small (old and new) city, separated by the Rhine, there are many places worthy of tourist attention, especially if you are there for the first time.
1. Basel City Hall
Basel City Hall on the Market Square at night
Even the most sophisticated tourist will not pass by this red sandstone building on the shopping square indifferently. Built in the Gothic style, the town hall is admired both for its architecture as a whole and for its nuances. In particular, the clock of the beginning of the XVI century, the coat of arms above the entrance, the statue of Munatis Plancus in the courtyard are interesting. Today, meetings of the State and Grand Councils are held in the building.
Official website: https://www.bs.ch
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2. The Cathedral of Basel
The Cathedral of Basel with slender towers on the banks of the Rhine
If we list the main sights of Basel briefly, then this monastery built in the XI century will be the first in the list. The exterior architecture bears signs of ancient Gothic, while the interior of the building is decorated in Romanesque style. Inside, the western facade, called the entrance of the Gauls, and the main facade, decorated with several sculptural ensembles, are interesting. The attention of those entering the cathedral is attracted by the sandstone lectern and the crypt, in which the graves of the city bishops rest. For a fee, you can climb to the top of one of the towers and enjoy the view of Basel.
3. Tangley Fountain
Sculptural machines in a shallow fountain on Theater Square Andreas Praefcke
Many guides in Basel include the fountain in their list of recommended attractions.Previously, there was a theater on this site, which later burned down.Sculptor Jean Tangley created it from 10 iron figures, each of which performs its own role. The functions of some of them consist in pumping water, while others are engaged in ejecting water jets.The fountain perfectly conveys the author’s penchant for creating kinematic compositions.
Official website: https://www.basel.com
4. Trellis Gate
View of the Shpalentor gate from the city side
Of the three remaining gates, these are considered the most beautiful. They are opening the way to France. As a result of all the historical vicissitudes experienced by Basel, they were lucky to survive and today they rise 40 m (central tower) and 28 m (towers on the sides). The entrance is decorated with a carved coat of arms of the city surrounded by two lions.
5. The Botanical Garden of the University of Basel
A walk through the Botanical garden of the University of Basel James Steakley
This oldest object belongs to the best sights of Basel not only because of its venerable age. Its territory is divided into zones with different plants: a section for ferns, a grove, a greenhouse for tropical plants, succulents, water lilies. There is also a greenhouse for heat-loving plants, where they are transplanted with the onset of cold weather. You can even see some endangered species here.
Feel the atmosphere of Basel in this beautiful video!
6. Lange Erlen Zoo
Bison at the zoo “Lange Erlen” Keimzelle
Many excursions in Basel include a visit to this zoo in the heart of the city, spread over 12 hectares. At the entrance you will find information about the animals available for viewing on this day. Baby animals can be seen in a specially designated area, and adults are observed in areas open to visitors. The design of the enclosures provides for the possibility of high-quality, interference-free shooting.
7. Basel Zoo
An aviary for predators at the Basel Zoo
Have you visited the most famous places and don’t know where to go in Basel for the last time? This zoo is far from the place where people gather, so only the most persistent get here. And it’s worth going, besides, admission is free! A cozy park with a small territory, huge aviaries and well-groomed animals. The number of species here is much smaller than in the main zoo, but the impressions remain the most pleasant.
Official website: https://www.zoobasel.ch
8. St. Paul’s Church
Colorful flower garden in front of St. Paul’s Church
Many of the sights of Basel relate to architecture. This reformed church was built at the junction of the XIX and XX centuries. An openwork rose in the center of the facade wall, mosaics on the walls and a tower with rich ornaments, statues and clocks catch the eye. Those entering the church are greeted by a statue of Archangel Michael with a sword fighting a dragon. The building vividly presents the neo-Romanesque style of architecture.
9. St. Elizabeth’s Church
Facade of the Church of St. Elizabeth SuperNova One
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The largest church in the country, built in the Gothic style. If you don’t know what to visit in Basel, we recommend taking a walk to this place. You will be impressed by the ribbed brick vaults, because you will not see more bricks in the buildings here: in the century before last it was a very expensive pleasure. However, the builders still had to save money on it by making a shallow pulpit made of wood, which was much cheaper then.
10. Historical Museum
Historical Museum in the Gothic temple of the Barfusserkirche in the Old Town of M.Strīis
Listing the sights of Basel with photos with names and descriptions, it is necessary to mention this museum with the main exposition in the old town, in the former church of the Barfusserkirche. The three branches of the museum feature exhibits from the Middle Ages. The building itself had previously functioned as a church, but during the Reformation it was looted and used as a barn until the 19th century. After the famous historical events, the church became the home of the Historical Museum of Basel.
Official website: https://www.hmb.ch
11. Jean Tangley Museum
Exhibit at the Jean Tangley Jean-Baptiste Maurice Museum
On a trip for tourist purposes, it is definitely worth visiting this interesting structure of Mario Botta’s hands with unusual “kinetic” sculptures by Jean Tangley made of household appliances for various purposes. The master took bicycle spokes, old metal pipes, and rusty kitchen utensils as materials for the exhibits. No wonder the exhibition receives rave reviews from tourists: before their eyes, some exhibits are destroyed by themselves, others move according to a well-known algorithm, forming amazing abstract paintings. The presence of an exhibition with the master’s documentation will satisfy the curiosity of the most inquisitive visitors.
Official website: https://www.tinguely.ch
12. Basel Art Museum
One of the exhibition halls of the PantaRhei Basel Art Museum
The museum exposition includes works from the time of the XV century to the present time and receives the best recommendations from tourists. The works of modernity are presented in the Museum of Modern Art, which is part of the art museum. The medieval collection contains the most complete works by Hans Holbein. The exposition of the XIX century with works by Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin is noteworthy, the collection of works by Dali, Picasso, Munch, Leger, Nolde is impressive.
Official website: https://kunstmuseumbasel.ch
13. The Paper Mill Museum
Carefully recreated interior in the Gryffindor Paper Mill Museum
According to travelers, the rating of this unusual museum, which has recently undergone restoration, is quite worthy of respect. In an authentic museum setting, visitors gradually get acquainted with the printing wisdom, using old printing technologies and creating their own paper sheet.
14. The World of Toys Museum
Entrance to the Doll Museum in Basel Basmus
It is perhaps impossible to list the interesting places of Basel. One of these is this museum, filled with toys from all over the world. Miniature shops and carousels, houses with furniture and teddy bears of various sizes racing cars and waving flags, of which there seem to be hundreds here. Rooms imitating a pharmacy, a school, a monastery, a library, as well as a street with a lutenist, dentist, and photographer’s shop are interesting. There is even a wedding salon and a city maniac here! Undoubtedly, the place is recommended to visit.
Official website: https://www.spielzeug-welten-museum-basel.ch
15. Basel Museum of Antiquities
The Basel Museum of Ancient Art and the Ludwig Basmus Collection
People interested in history have a lot to see in Basel. The only one in Switzerland, it has an exhibition of antique exhibits and samples of Mediterranean culture. Founded in the second half of the last century, it is the “youngest” museum in the city. The complex includes a sculpture hall with plaster copies of antique sculptures.
Sights of Basel: what else to visit in Basel
Despite the impressive number of sites with ancient history, Basel attracts not only objects of antiquity.It’s nice to just take a walk here, staring around and enjoying the measured life of an ordinary Swiss. So, what to see in Basel in 1 day if there is not a lot of time?
16. Museum of Natural History
South-east view of the Basmus Museum of Natural History
This place will teleport you to the farthest corners of our planet and move you through time. Not literally, of course. Exhibits representing all fields of natural science are presented in the exhibition halls. Visitors are invited to interactively observe the history of the origin of life on Earth, and an educational and entertainment program is provided for children.
Official website: https://www.nmbs.ch
17. Roche Tower
But the urban landscape with the Roche Tower skyscraper in the form of an incomplete step pyramid
The tallest building in the country with stunning views of the Rhine was built recently and has become one of the attractions of Switzerland, being the headquarters of a large pharmaceutical group Roche. The building with a beveled end rises to a height of 178 m. A spectacular appearance is provided thanks to the glazed facade, the interior of the tower is presented in the form of multi-tiered communication zones with open terraces.
Official website: https://www.roche.com
18. Basel-Badisher-Bahnhof train Station
Part of the facade of the Basel-Badisher-Bahnhof railway station Till Westermayer
If your trip to Switzerland has brought you to this station, stay here and take a look around. Opened in the middle of the XIX century, it became the founder of the development of the railway in this city. The station building was built half a century later and has two towers. Mercury looks down at the travelers from the roof gable, and the statues above the entrance depict the four elements. A strict building with a funny story.
19. Basel SBB
The forecourt of the railway station “Basel SBB” Nils Öberg
Another city train station, information about which is contained in all tourist reviews. Its main building is built in neo-Baroque style, and 16 platforms receive and send trains. The part adjacent to the western side of the station is considered French territory.
Official website: https://www.sbb.ch
20. St. Jakob Park Stadium
St. Jakob Park is a football stadium in the city of Basel Pengster
In 2008, a number of European World Cup matches were held here. Around it there are hotels in Basel with truly European service.It was built in 2001. The arena is a square with a flat roof and a huge monitor mounted on it. The capacity of the two-tier stands is about 38 thousand spectators. The city club trains here.
Official website: https://www.fcb.ch
In Basel, architectural representatives of the old and new eras harmoniously coexist, together creating an indescribable atmosphere of a small European town. Do not miss the opportunity to get into it, plunging into a rich cultural life and enjoying a vacation in this wonderful place. Read also about the sights of Geneva and be inspired to travel further in Switzerland.
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