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This small but very picturesque town of the medieval era rises majestically on the Rhine. It is a large industrial chemical and pharmaceutical center, at the same time being called 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 a centuries-old history rich in events.
What to see in Basel in the first place
It is worth coming up with a list of what to see in Basel in advance. There are many places in the Greater and Lesser (old and new) cities, divided by the Rhine, worthy of the attention of a tourist, especially if you are there for the first time.
1. Basel City Hall
Basel Town Hall on the Market Square at night
Even the most sophisticated tourist will not pass by this red sandstone building on the market square. Built in the Gothic style, the town hall is admired both for its architecture in general and for its nuances. In particular, the clock of the beginning of the 16th century, the coat of arms above the entrance, the statue of Munatis Plankus in the courtyard are of interest. Today, meetings of the State and Grand Councils are held in the building.
Official website: http://www.bs.ch/en.html
2. Cathedral Basel Cathedral
Basel Cathedral with slender towers on the banks of the Rhine
If we list the main attractions of Basel briefly, then this monastery built in the 11th century will be the first on the list. The external architecture bears signs of ancient Gothic, inside the building is decorated in the Romanesque style. Inside, the western facade, called the entrance of the Gauls, and the main facade, decorated with several sculptural ensembles, are of interest. The attention of those entering the cathedral is captured by the sandstone lectern and the crypt, in which the graves of the city bishops lie. For a fee, you can climb to the top of one of the towers and enjoy the view of Basel.
3. Tinguely Fountain
Sculpture machines in a shallow fountain on Theater Square Andreas Praefcke
Many guides in Basel include the fountain in the list of recommended attractions. Previously, a theater was located on this site, which later burned down. Sculptor Jean Tinguely created it from 10 iron figures, each of which plays a different role. The functions of some of them consist in pumping water, others are busy throwing out water jets. The author’s penchant for creating kinematic compositions is perfectly conveyed in the fountain.
Official website: https://www .basel.com/en
4. Spalentor Gate
View of the Shpalentor gate from the city
Of the three surviving gates, this gate is considered the most beautiful. They open the way to France. As a result of all the historical upheavals experienced by Basel, they were lucky to survive and today they rise 40 m (central tower) and 28 m (side towers). The entrance is decorated with a carved coat of arms of the city, surrounded by two lions.
5. Basel University Botanical Garden
Walk through the botanical garden of the James Steakley University of Basel
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 Lange Erlen Zoo Keimzelle
Many excursions in Basel include a visit to this 12-hectare zoo in the heart of the city. 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, while adults can be observed in areas open to visitors. The design of the enclosures provides for the possibility of high-quality, without interference, shooting.
7. Basel Zoo
Enclosure for predators at the Basel Zoo
Have you managed to visit the most famous places and do not know where to go in Basel in the end? This zoo is remote from the crowded places, so only the most persistent get here. It's worth the trip, and admission is free! A cozy park with a small area, huge enclosures and well-groomed animals. The number of species here is much less than in the main zoo, but the experience remains the most pleasant.
Official website: https://www.zoobasel.ch/en
< h3> 8. St. Paul's Church
Colorful flower garden in front of St. Paul's Church
Many sights of Basel are related to architecture. This reformed church was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th 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 your eye. Those entering the church are greeted by a statue of the Archangel Michael with a sword fighting a dragon. The building vividly represents the Neo-Romanesque style of architecture.
9. Church of St. Elizabeth
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 walking to this place. Ribbed brick vaults will impress you. you will not see more brick in buildings here: in the century before last, it was a very expensive pleasure. However, the builders still had to save on it by making a sloping pulpit of wood, which was then much cheaper.
10. Historical Museum
Historical museum in the gothic Barfüsserkirche in the Old Town M.Strīķis
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 Barfüsserkirche church. Exhibits from the Middle Ages are presented in three branches of the museum. The building itself previously functioned as a church, but during the Reformation it was plundered until the 19th century. used as a barn. After famous historical events, the church became a haven for the Basel Historical Museum.
Official website: http://www.hmb.ch/en/
11. Museum Jean Tinguely
Exhibit at the Jean Tinguely Museum Jean-Baptiste Maurice
On a tourist trip, you should definitely visit this interesting structure by the hands of Mario Botta with unusual “kinetic” sculptures by Jean Tinguely, made from household appliances for various purposes. As materials for the exhibits, the master took bicycle spokes, old metal pipes, and rusty kitchen utensils. It is not for nothing that the exhibition receives rave reviews from tourists: before their eyes, some exhibits are destroyed by themselves, others move according to one algorithm they know, 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 Basel Art Museum PantaRhei
The museum exhibition includes works from the 15th century. and until now and receives the best recommendations from tourists. Modern works are presented in the Museum of Modern Art, which is part of the Art Museum. In the medieval collection, the works of Hans Holbein are most fully represented. The exposition of the 19th century is noteworthy. with works by Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, an impressive collection of works by Dali, Picasso, Munch, Léger, Nolde.
Official website: https://kunstmuseumbasel.
< h3> 13. Paper Mill Museum
Carefully recreated interior at 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 environment, visitors are gradually introduced to typographic wisdom, using old printing technologies and creating their own paper sheet.
14. Toy World Museum
Entrance to the Puppet Museum in Basel Basmus
It is perhaps impossible to list interesting places in Basel. This museum, filled with toys from all over the world, can be attributed to one of these. 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. Of interest are the rooms imitating a pharmacy, a school, a monastery, a library, as well as a street with a shop for a lute player, a dentist, and a photographer. It even has its own bridal salon and city maniac! Undoubtedly, the place is recommended to visit.
Official website: http://www.spielzeug-welten
15. Basel Museum of Antiquities
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Basel Museum of Ancient Art and the Ludwig Basmus Collection
For people interested in history, there is something to see in Basel. The only one in Switzerland, it has an exhibition of antique exhibits and examples of Mediterranean culture. Founded in the second half of the last century, it is the “youngest” museum in the city. The complex includes a sculptural hall with plaster copies of ancient sculptures.
Basel attractions: what else to visit in Basel
Despite the impressive number of objects with ancient history, Basel attracts not only with objects of antiquity. It's nice to just take a walk here, glancing around and enjoying the measured life of an ordinary Swiss. So, what to see in Basel in 1 day, if there is not much time?
16. Natural History Museum
View from the southeast of the Basmus Museum of Natural History < p>This place will teleport you to the farthest corners of our planet and move you in time. Not literally, of course. In the exhibition halls exhibits are presented – representatives of all areas of natural science. Visitors are invited to interactively observe the history of the origin of life on Earth, an educational and entertainment program is provided for children.
Official website:https://www.nmbs.ch/
17. Roche Tower
Nonoy cityscape with the Roche Tower skyscraper in the form of an incomplete stepped pyramid
The tallest building in the country with a stunning view of the Rhine was built recently and has become one of the landmarks of Switzerland, being the headquarters of the large pharmaceutical group Roche. The building with a sloping 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 areas with open terraces.
Official website: https://www.roche.com/
18. Train station Basel-Badischer-Bahnhof
Part of the facade of the railway station Basel-Badischer-Bahnhof Till Westermayer
If your trip to Switzerland brought you to this station, stop here and look around. Opened in the middle of the 19th 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 on travelers from the roof pediment, and the statues above the entrance depict the four elements. An austere building with a funny history.
19. Basel SBB
Station square of the railway station “Basel SBB” Nils Öberg
Another city station, information about which is contained in all tourist reviews. Its main building is built in the 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/en/
20. St. Jakob-Park
St. Jakob-Park is a football stadium in the city of Basel Pengster
In 2008, a number of European World Cup matches were played here. Around it are hotels in Basel with a truly European service. It was built in 2001. The arena is a square with a flat roof and a huge monitor installed on it. The capacity of the two-tier stands is about 38,000 spectators. The city club trains here.
Official website: https://www.fcb.ch/en
Architectural representatives of the old and new eras harmoniously coexist in Basel , together creating an indescribable atmosphere of a small European town. Do not miss the opportunity to feel it, plunging into the rich cultural life and enjoying the rest in this wonderful place. Read also about the sights of Geneva and be inspired to travel further in Switzerland.