Basel is considered to be one of Switzerland’s cultural centres and lies in the border triangle where France, Germany and Switzerland meet. It is a fascinating historic city with many traditions, home to the oldest university in Switzerland (built 1460), and has developed a unique, cosmopolitan and social outlook, which makes it a great destination for those looking for old and contemporary culture. Basel is home to a wealth of museums and galleries, artifacts and architectural masterpieces, festivals and concerts. Built on the banks of the river, which gives the city its unique charm, there are attractive riverside walking promenades within the city which is dominated by the twin towered, Basel Cathedral (11th to 15th century) that overlooks the whole area. The old town was originally walled, with the Spalentor (14th century) being one of the gates of these substantial fortifications, and which gives some idea of the beautiful and impressive nature of the construction. St Alban-Tal is part of the old town and is an area that is crisscrossed by narrow alleys and water-ways, it is easy to walk around and is where the old heart of the city lies. It is the historic centre where the traditional handicrafts are available and where the Basel paper mill is located, that produces paper by hand and water power. It is these connections with paper and early printing that laid the first steps towards the development of Basel in becoming an early centre of humanist learning, being home to the Church Council during the Middle Ages which made the city a centre of Christianity in Europe.
Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland and lies in a bend of the River Rhine. The river has played a significant part in the continued importance and development of the city, as trade and commerce has benefited by the port facilities that have given Switzerland its only access to the sea via the docks of Rotterdam. This wealth is reflected in the solid look of the city and its buildings, with the striking red sandstone City hall, with its tower and colourful murals, and the Basel Cathedral being good examples of this. Home to 40 museums and galleries, there is something of interest for everybody from the unique Vitra Design Museum and Architectural Park, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kunstmuseum of Fine Arts, to the Basel Sculpture Hall, the Pharmaceutical Museum and the Barfusserkirche, a Church and museum, which is recognized as the most important cultural museum for the history of the upper Rhine. If its festivals you enjoy, don’t miss the famous Basil Fasnacht, a three day long extravaganza which ironically starts at 4 A.M., or the Kulturfloss (the floating stage) which for the month of August keeps many entertained on the banks of the river, or maybe take time out and enjoy the Basel Tatoo which occurs in July!! Every year visitors can enjoy the 500 year old tradition of the Autumn Fair, an awesome festival when Basel is converted into a gigantic playground of games, rides, displays and stands of crafts, foods and confectionary. It lasts for 14 days and attracts people from a great distance who enjoy the smells, atmosphere and fun!!
The city also offers easy and fun filled local travel, from its historic green trams to its cross river ferries, making enjoying the local zoo, known as the Zolli, to the Botanical Gardens, to the concerts and fine restaurants, to the Munsterplatz and street side cafes, all that much more accessible. Basel is an interesting destination and an experience not to be forgotten!!
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