What is Basel? A Comprehensive Guide on the Swiss City of Art

When people hear of Switzerland, the first thing that comes to mind is usually its picturesque landscapes, delicious chocolates, and its luxurious watches. But beneath the touristy exterior lies a true gem in Swiss culture – the city of Basel, or “Basle” in German. Also known as the city of art, Basel has much more to offer than just luxury watches and intricate chalets. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding Basel and to discovering the many treasures this ancient city has to offer.

A Brief History of Basel

Basel has been inhabited since antiquity and was an important city for both the Romans and the Alemanni tribes. However, it wasn’t until the 11th century when Basel experienced a period of growth due to its strategic location on the border of Germany and France. Additionally, Basel also became known as a city of industry due to its water magma (shadows of mills used to generate electricity) which powered up their first movie theater.

During the middle ages, Basel was referred to as “the Bishopric of Saint Peter” and it soon became a point of economic importance due to its prominent role in trade and commerce. Its close proximity to Germany and France meant that it acted as a trading hub between the two nations.

The city’s history dates back even further than that. Basel was in fact the location where some of the earliest references to a form of beer were first made. This was in 851AD when shepherds first recorded their beer recipe in a book called “Regula Monastica”.

Today, Basel is a popular tourist destination which is home to some of the best museums, galleries, and architectural gems in Switzerland. The city of Basel is also well known for its vibrant music and nightlife scenes.

The Rich Cultural Scene of Basel

One of the many things that make Basel so special is its colorful cultural scene. The city is home to some of the country’s best museums, galleries, and literary clubs. Additionally, there are many annual events such as parades, festivals and exhibitions that take place throughout the year.

The world-famous Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the oldest galleries in Europe and it houses some truly remarkable works of art. Some of its noteworthy pieces include Albrecht Durer’s painting titled “Apocalypse” and Pieter Bruegel’s “The Gloomy Day”. Additionally, there is also an impressive selection of modern and contemporary art available for viewing.

Some other notable cultural sites include the Basler Papiermühle which showcases modern Swiss papermaking techniques, the Toy Museum (which is home to some really unique playthings), and the historical architecture across the city such as the beautiful Holy Ghost Church.

Basel also has an exciting literary scene, with many events and book clubs scattered throughout the city. Some of the ongoing literary events include Café Espresso which is hosted in Café Pardonné and the renowned International Literature Festival Basel which usually takes place every year in March or April.

Finally, Basel also has an energizing music scene with live bands performing all across the city. Additionally, there are also a number of highly popular music festivals such as Open Air Gampel, Carnival of Basel and Bal Boulevard which take place throughout the year.

Gastronomical Delights in Basel

Basel’s culture isn’t complete without experiencing its famously delicious eats. The two most popular dishes are “Spickkuchen” (sweet bread with almond paste and aniseed) and “Blättle” (a type of cheese tart). Other popular dishes include “Flammkuchen” (a type of flatbread layered with crepes and mushrooms) and “Mandelcrem” (a type of custard).

In terms of drinks, Swiss beer is particularly popular amongst locals. Some favorites include “Hell” (pale lager), “Rötelbräu” (dark beer) and “Waldhausbier” (light lager). Additionally, there are many fine wines available in Basel to suit all palettes such as those from Valais, Ticino and Garde-Dame.

The Stunning Architecture in Basel

Basel is renowned for being particularly pleasing on the eyes due to its stunning architecture. There are buildings from all centuries proudly standing side by side, both old and new. Some of the most notable pieces include the Reinacher Manor House which dates back to 1575 and features Gothic features, Kirche St Alban (a stunningly preserved Romanesque church), the Baroque Style town hall and the Jewish Synagogue which boasts Neo-Romanesque features.

Additionally, one shouldn’t forget about the Munster Cathedral which is considered one of Europe’s great Gothic churches due to its impressive stained glass windows as well as its architecture inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This majestic building towers over the cityscape and can even be seen from miles away!

Conclusion

Basel truly has so much to offer visitors, from awe-inspiring architecture to tantalizing tastes. What makes it even more special is that it’s such a vivid mix of old and new, much like Switzerland itself. Whether you’re visiting for culinary delights or cultural treasures, you’re guaranteed to be impressed by this fascinating Swiss City. To learn more about what else you can do in Basel, check out this guide from My Switzerland.