Switzerland, Basel - Home of Culture

Basel is located in North-western Switzerland near the borders with both Germany and France. This is a city rich in culture where many museums can be found. The city sits on the River Rhine and is the home base of many large Pharmaceutical companies including Roche and Novartis.

Basel also bears the unique distinction as the only Port in landlocked Switzerland. This is due to its geographic location at an area where the Rhine is navigable. Another interesting fact about Basel is that it is near the exact point where the Swiss, German and French borders converged.

The 16th century Town Hall (a.k.a. Rathaus) is the seat of the local government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt. This building is made of red sandstone and is located right in the middle of Basel's medieval old town, in an area known locally as the Marktplatz.

Basel Town Hall, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

The Author, Timothy, standing in front of the Town Hall's red sandstone structure, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Some parts of the Town Hall are public areas and can be visited without the need for any prior reservations or even a paid ticket.

In the public areas, one can see a statue of the Roman Senator Lucius Munatius Plancus, technically the founder of Basel. He established the Roman settlement of Augusta Raurica in the year 44 BC. This included military fortifications at the spot where the Basel Minster (a.k.a. Basler Munster) was built and still stands today. The name Basel was derived from the Roman word Basilia and was first described in the year AD 374 according to historical records.

Statue of Lucius Munatius Plancus in the Town Hall, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Wall painting inside the Town Hall, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Interior of the Town Hall, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Here in the Marktplatz, there is an open market which takes place every day of the week. Besides hawking goods from around Switzerland and the region, the stalls here also specialises in local produce.

Market square at Marktplatz, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

A McDonald's outlet is always never far away wherever one travels, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Plants on sale in the open air market at Marktplatz, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Flowers were plentiful in the month of June, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

In my opinion, Basel is a city built for walking. During my visit, I started my walking tour (on my own) from Marktplatz and was so awed by everything this city has to offer that before I knew it, I had spent half a day wandering around the city.

Some may call it aimless walking but I personally find that walking tours are best done without any planned itineraries or maps. Taking in the random sights, sounds and culture of the city allow me to experience the local life as one should, unhurried and unplanned. And because I am a strong believer in the adage that pictures speak a thousand words, here are a collection of photographs which depict what I saw and experienced during my walking tour of Basel.

Crowds of tourists, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Following the tour group discreetly allowed me to "discover" what hidden sights the city has to offer, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

A water fountain with a unique sculpture of what look like a mythical creature, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Trams serve part of the public transport needs of the city, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Architecture of buildings in the city, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Flags, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

City views, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Trams offer a convenient way to sightsee if one do not wish to spend too much time on foot, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Marktplatz with the City Hall in view, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

These flags represent the European culture of the city, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

This is Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Uniquely European, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

The current bridge which is known as Mittlere Brücke was built in 1905 and straddles the Rhine crossing between Lake Constance and the North Sea. The original Mittlere Brücke was opened in the 13th century in the year 1226. Crossing the bridge allows one to savour panoramic views of both banks of Basel divided by the famous Rhine River.

The Mittler Brücke, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

The Rhine as seen when crossing the Mittler Brücke, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

The city of Basel on the other side of the Rhine (from Marktplatz), Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Flags advertising an art exhibition displayed on the Mittler Brücke, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

A cafe strategically located along the Rhine by the Mittler Brücke, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

The city of Basel as viewed after crossing the Mittler Brücke, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Local house near the Rhine, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Basel is a city with a rich culture stretching back through the centuries. This is strongly evident in the number of old buildings with rich historical heritage. Those with keen interests in either history or architecture or both will have an enjoyable time in Basel. In my opinion, the city of Basel is itself a study of the history and culture of the region.

And of course, like any other major European city, Basel is not just culture and history. The city also offers plenty of shopping opportunities. Fans of branded goods will have a field day shopping at Globus, an upmarket department store. Located within walking distance from Marktplatz, one can find high quality goods from the worlds of fashion, beauty and other indulgences here. This department store is open daily from Mondays to Saturdays. It usually opens from 9.00am and closes around 6.00pm to 6.30pm except on Thursdays and Fridays where extended shopping hours mean later closing hours at 8.00pm. It is closed on Sundays.

Globus Department Store, Basel, Switzerland (2009)

Lots of small souvenir shops can also be found in the areas near Marktplatz. One distinct difference between the souvenir shops in Basel and those in other cities is that the shop keepers do not tout their merchandise. This allows one to slowly browse and shop in peace without the pressure to make any purchases quickly. For me, this is an added plus point for shopping here.

On paper and in theory, Basel may seem like any other European city. That was what I thought it was before my visit. My thoughts after my visit? Basel is any other European city plus a lot more!