If you love architecture, then Basel is definitely worth a visit! The city has a rich architectural history that’s evident in a variety of its buildings – from medieval churches to modern skyscrapers.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best landmarks in Basel that are worth visiting if you’re looking to explore the city’s architecture.
Also, if you’re visiting Basel make sure to find a comfortable place to stay packed with utilities and amenities, before start exploring the city.
With that said, let’s get started!
Basel Münster
The Basler Münster, also known as the Basler Dom or Basler Kirche, is Basel’s most famous landmark. This cathedral was built in the late 15th century in Gothic and Romantic styles.
The exterior is dominated by a spectacular tower, which rises to a height of 108 meters and the interior features a beautiful nave and treasury filled with priceless artwork.
The Cathedral’s piazza is a popular meeting place for events and concerts.
Basel Town Hall
The town hall is an amazing building that was built in the early 1500s and is a beautiful example of architecture from that time period. This elegant and lavishly decorated structure served as the seat of the municipal government until 1802.
The building is also interesting because it has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, including serving as a prison and a cinema.
If you are an architecture enthusiast, visiting the town hall is definitely something you should do.
Basel University Library
Basel University Library is an imposing building with an impressive collection of more than three million items. This epicenter of knowledge is not only packed with history but its architectural design has won accolades from all over the globe.
The library is one of the most attractive in Europe, with beautiful marble floors and soaring ceilings. The exterior is made of red sandstone and the building features many ornate details, including frescos and a stunning circular tower.
It is the home to some of the world’s oldest collection of book, periodicals, and manuscripts, including a copy of the Gutenberg Bible.
You can also find art exhibitions and performances here, so make sure to check out their website for details.
Novartis Campus
This is one of the most iconic campuses in the world, with a stunning mix of modern and traditional architecture. It’s home to some of the largest and most famous companies in the world, including Novartis.
The campus, which was built in the 1960s and 1970s, features massive concrete buildings with sleek lines and stunning architecture. It’s a great place to take photos or just soak up the atmosphere.
Kunstmuseum Basel
The Kunstmuseum Basel is one of Switzerland’s most popular museums, and for good reason. It houses an impressive collection of art dating back to the Middle Age right up to modern day pieces.
The museum is also home to some fantastic architecture, including the well-known Palais des Beaux-Arts.
The museum comprises two buildings that are in direct communication with each other to form a unified structure in urban space. The roofline of the newer building is leveled with the older building’s existing structure, so that both buildings meet at an equal footing.
The entrance is designed in such a way that the building’s arcade forms a striking façade.
If you’re also a fan of art, the museum is home to a wide range of art pieces, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary paintings. It’s an interesting place to explore and learn about art.
Stadtcasino Basel
This imposing building is home to the Basler Casino and one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s located in the heart of the city and features some of the most beautiful architecture you’ll ever see.
The casino was originally built in the 18th century and was extensively renovated in the 1990s. The interior is adorned with beautiful marble floors, soaring ceilings, and impressive chandeliers, making it an impressive sight from any angle.
Werkraum Warteck Stairs
The Werkraum Warteck Stairs was built by an Austrian architect Adolf Warteck in 1891 and is considered one of the most perfect examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.
The stairs, which are a masterpiece of functional art, lead from the lower level of the Werkraum Warteck art gallery to the upper level, where you can view stunning works of art by masters such as Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh.
Nomad Hotel
Nomad Hotel is a modern boutique hotel that occupies an entire city block in Basel’s old town. It offers a stunning view of the city and features jaw-droppingly beautiful architecture from all over the world.
The building itself is an interesting mix of old and new, and the guest rooms and bathrooms are all decorated in stylish and quirky styles. From the sleek glass facade of the hotel to the intricately carved wooden ceilings, it’s hard not to be impressed.
The hotel also has a variety of unique amenities, including a rooftop garden and pool that make it perfect if you want to experience everything Basel has to offer.
Conclusion
Basel is home to some of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in all of Switzerland, making it a paradise for anyone interested in seeing some truly world-class architecture.
So whether you’re a wanderlust traveler or an architecture lover at heart, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring the above amazing sights!
