Photography - Ivan Andrejic
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Basel – Switzerland’s capital of art and culture Nestling in the heart of Europe in the three countries corner where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel is a pocket-sized metropolis that combines proverbial Swiss quality with a multicultural population. This makes the city unmistakably open-minded, happy and innovative. The city sparkles with all kinds of culture. Nearly 40 museums with their long-established collections and spectacular special exhibitions are the foundation of Basel’s reputation as a city of art and museums. However, art is to be found not only in the many museums but is encountered all over the city, and exciting contrasts are created by the presence of classical patrician houses and mediaeval churches side by side with modern buildings designed by major international architects such as Herzog & de Meuron or Renzo Piano. Basel whets one’s appetite in the most varied and delightful ways. What applies to its remarkable cultural heritage is also true of its culinary scene. Thanks to the city’s location, its cuisine is both excellent and eclectic. Experience “culture unlimited” and an unrivalled savoir-vivre: the sunny banks of the Rhine, the romantic streets of the excellently preserved Old Town and countless boulevard cafés invite you to stroll and enjoy. In trendy bars or historic taverns – every taste is catered for.
Basel is Switzerland’s oldest university city. Historic landmarks of the city include the large market square with its richly decorated red sandstone town hall and the late RomanesqueGothic cathedral. During a walk through the old town, past small boutiques, antique book shops but also shops of modern designers, a visit to the «Läckerli Huus» to try the traditional Basel honey cake is well worth your while. Basel is traditionconscious and open-minded at the same time, a fact born out by several modern buildings designed by renowned architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta, Diener & Diener and Richard Meyer. Almost 40 museums make Basel the city with the highest density of museums in the country. Internationally known museums, such as the Basel Art Museum, the museum devoted to the iron sculptor Jean Tinguely, the Fondation Beyeler and the Museum of Cultures attract a great many visitors, as do several galleries and playhouses. Basel is among other things home to the symphony orchestra and the chamber orchestra as well as the musical theatre featuring international productions. And a wide range of classical and contemporary productions are shown on the stages of the Basel Theatre and the Playhouse. Basel is a green city. The Botanical Gardens, several parks and the banks of the Rhine are perfect places to relax and linger for a while. And the Etoscha House at the zoo offers spectacular insights into the Namibian Savannah.
Basler MĂźnster Together with the Mittlere BrĂźcke, the Basler MĂźnster (Cathedral) is probably the most famous landmark in Basel. With its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles and twin towers, no other building adorns the cityscape of Basel like the Cathedral. Visit the former episcopal church, built between the years 1019 and 1500 in the Romantic and Gothic styles. The crypt, the chancel, the tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam, the Gallus gate and the two cloisters are witness to a fascinating tale of construction over a period of several centuries. The piazza in which the Cathedral stands is today a popular meeting place and is often used for concerts and events. The Pfalz - the terrace offering wonderful views over the Rhine - is one of the most popular viewpoints in the city.
Mittlere Brücke Hardly another monument in the city of Basel has become such a symbol of the city as the Mittlere Brücke. Opened in 1226, it is one of the oldest Rhine crossings between Lake Constance and the North Sea. The Mittlere Brücke was initially used for local traffic, in conjunction with the development of the route over the Gotthard Pass as an international trade route, in the 14th century it gained significance as a crossing over the Rhine for international trade. With the advent of electric trams, the old bridge had to make way for the new Mittlere Brücke in 1905. A copy of the old bridge chapel, the so-called “Käppelijoch”, where in the Middle Ages convicted criminals were sentenced to death, was erected as a reminder of the original construction.
City Hall The City Hall is the seat of the Basel government and its parliament. In the midst of the Old Town, it is particularly eyeÂcatching with its red facade, the characteristic tower and playful frescoes. A visit to the Rathaus (city hall) is worthwhile especially on account of the council chamber, the attractive inner courtyard, the romantic arcades and the tower. It was built after the great earthquake to replace the former seat of government. After Basel joined the Swiss Confederation, the front part of the building was replaced with an imposing new structure. The coats of arms of Basel and the 11 other members of the then Confederation adorn the crenellations. At the beginning of the 17th century, the city hall was extended, and the artist Hans Bock decorated the facade with painted trompe l’oeil. In 1900 the building was extended again to include the left-hand wing and the tower at the right.
Spalentor The Spalentor (Gate of Spalen) is the most magnificent and impressive of the three city gates still remaining from the city fortifications dating from 1400. In times gone by, many important supplies and provisions entered the city through this gate having arrived from Alsace. Its square main tower, flanked on each side by two round towers, would have been seen long before arriving at the gates of the city. The faรงade facing away from the city is also decorated with three figures dating back to the 15th century - the Madonna and two prophets.
Blue and White Houses These former residences on Rheinsprung were purchased by the municipality of BaselÂCity in 1942 and 1968 and today are used by the Department of Commerce, Social Affairs and the Environment. The Blue and White Houses, also known as WendelstĂśrferhof and Reichensteinerhof, were built between 1763 and 1775 by architect Samuel Werenfels as residential and business houses for silk ribbon manufacturers Lukas and Jakob Sarasin. One noticeable peculiarity immediately obvious to passers-by is the lead masks above the windows of the ground floor, which are meant to represent the four seasons.
Kunstmuseum Basel The main building of Kunstmuseum Basel, dating from 1936, was designed by Basel-based architect Rudolf Christ together with master builder Paul Bonatz from Stuttgart, both advocates of conservative modernism. The Kunstmuseum Basel is the oldest publicly accessible art collection in the world. The focus of the museum is on paintings and graphic art by artists from the Upper Rhine region from 1400 to 1600 and the art of the 19th to 21st centuries. For the museum in Basel they were greatly influenced by northern Italian architecture. Both historical buildings, such as the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua, and the contemporary architecture of the Novecento Italiano served as models for its construction. The main building was designed purely to house collections. Now that the annex has opened, which has since been hosting Kunstmuseum Basel’s special exhibitions, it can now return to this purpose.
Basel Museum of Ancient Art The Basel Museum of Ancient Art is the only Swiss museum devoted exclusively to the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean region. The permanent exhibition contains ancient art mainly from Egyptian, Greek, Italic, Etruscan and Roman cultures. Located in the heart of the city of Basel, the museum is a place where the ancient world is regularly cast in a new light.
Augusta Raurica The largest archaeological park in Switzerland offers more than thirty surprising, unique and exciting sights including the most impressive Roman theatre north of the Alps, the atmospheric Roman house and, on display, in the museum the largest collection of late antique silver. The impressive theatre with 2000 seats, the picturesque Roman house with authentic rooms, the largest silver treasure of Late Antiquity with more than 270 plates, bowls and coins as well as the sympathetic zoo with old animal breeds make an excursion to Roman times an unforgettable experience
Basel Rhine swimming A swim in the Rhine is a refreshing treat on a hot summer day: strong swimmers can get in between the Wettsteinbrücke and Johanniterbrücke bridges and let the current take them downriver. Do as the locals do, and experience an extraspecial leisure activity. The colourful Wickelfisch – a swim bag in the shape of a fish which was invented in Basel – will keep your clothes dry.
Basel ZOO The Zoological Gardens, known affectionately as “Zolli” by Basel’s inhabitants, opened in Basel in 1874 and is home to a large number of indigenous and exotic animals. Basel Zoo is a popular excursion destination and well worth a visit at any time of year. In the summer months the park is an ideal place to stroll in the open air, in the winter months the various animal houses guarantee up close and personal encounters with a wide variety of animals. If you wish to discover an underwater world, there are several underwater creatures to discover at the vivarium.