- the artists’ city
Cosmopolitan, international, innovative – and solid Swiss quality everywhere. The heart of the city is the old town of Basel. With its lovingly maintained and modernised houses and squares, it is one of the best-preserved old towns in Europe. Basel cherishes tradition – Morgestraich, an breathtaking night-time ritual with pipes and drums that takes place in complete darkness at 4 o’clock in the morning, has been celebrated on the Monday after Ash Wednesday since 1835. At the same time, the city is a showcase for the best modern architecture: Mario Botta, Herzog & de Meuron or Renzo Piano have all designed spectacular modern buildings here.
Basel is appealing in both, the summer and the winter, with traditional festivals, art exhibitions, dance theatre, concerts, plays and operas. As the leading city in Switzerland for fairs, the city organises the Art Basel fair, a must for gallery owners and buyers from all over the world. The watch and jewellery festival, Baselworld, serves a particularly discerning public.
Around 40 museums have made Basel the international art metropolis. The private collection at the Fondation Beyeler represents works of modern classicism, while Museum Tinguely exhibits funny, noisy automatic machines and bizarre mechanics. The Kunstmuseum Basel is home to Renaissance masterpieces of the 19th and early 20th century.
The Rhine is a landmark of the city: as an important transport route, the river has contributed to the development of the city for two thousand years. Apart from goods, it brings guests from all over the world, plus a high standard of living: sun-drenched banks, romantic streets, cafes and bistros invite you to take a stroll and while away the time.
Attractions in the city
- Town hall: at the market place, with a Renaissance column and a colourful roof.
- Cathedral: is one of the most well-known landmarks in Basel.
- Mittlere Brücke: one of the oldest bridges over the Rhine dating back to 1226.
Excursions from Basel in the tri-national region
- Ecomusée : traditional Alsatian village, open-air museum
- St. Blasien – Titisee – St. Peter : Wehra Valley St. Blasien, Titisee and St. Peter health resort
- Petite Camargue : nature reserve with outstanding countryside
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