Basel Town Hall (Rathaus) - This attractive building erected in the early 16C in a late Gothic style, and later enlarged and restored, has a façade richly decorated with frescoes and flanked with a modern belfry. A statue of Munatius Plancus, founder of the town, stands imposingly in the inner courtyard, which is also decorated with attractive frescoes.
Basel Cathedral (Munster) - This huge building, built of beautiful local red sandstone, partly rebuilt in the 14 and 15C, and restored in the 19C, is topped with two Gothic towers from which there is a lovely view over the city. The main door is decorated with delicate sculptures of angels and prophets; on the left of the building is that of St-Gall, in Romanesque style. The interior has five naves and houses several 11C decorative elements.
Basel Old Town - Old Basel, with several interesting monuments to visit including the cathedral, is worth a trip above all for its atmosphere, its very picturesque medieval streets and squares such as Andreasplatz, Spalenberg or Petersgasse. Here you will find several attractive fountains, including that of Holbein (16C), together with the monumental Spalen Gate (13 -14C), decorated with the coats of arms of the city.
Oberer Rheinweg - Weather permitting, do not miss that romantic walk on the Rhine's banks. This walk, which is limited to the east by Wettsteinbrucke (bridge), offers an attractive view over the old districts of Basel, the palaces and craftsmen's houses which are located at the water's edge.
Basel Zoo - Undoubtedly, the best zoo in Switzerland. In the heart of the city, this huge animal park with an international reputation has become specialized in the reproduction of threatened species. An area is devoted to young animals, another to reptiles. There are picnic areas, restaurants and games for children available to the public, who particularly appreciate the attractions of the wild animals' and sealions' meals, and the introduction to the elephants.
Basel Zoo - Binningerstrasse 40 - CH - 4011 Basel
Phone 061 295 35 35
www.etoscha.ch May-August 8am-6.30pm; March, April, September and October 8am-6pm; November-February 8am-5.30pm
Entrance fees: 14 S.Fr., children (6-16) 5 S.Fr.
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