Basel Minster

Basel Minster crowns the Münster hill above the Rhine. Built 1019–1500 and rebuilt after the 1356 earthquake, it is now a Swiss Reformed church.

• Twin west towers – Georgsturm 67.3 m and Martinsturm 65.5 m; ~250 steps lead to sweeping views.
• Romanesque origins and a Gothic rebuild post-1356 – construction phases read across facades and vaults.
• Red sandstone and colourful roof tiles – Basel’s signature silhouette.
• North Galluspforte, late 12th c. – among the earliest surviving figural portals in the German-speaking world.
• Tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam (1536) in the nave.

• Tower climbs for panoramic city and river views.
• The Pfalz terrace behind the apse – outlook over Kleinbasel and steps to the ferry.
• The cloister and the Romanesque Galluspforte on the north transept.

Consecrated in 1019, the first cathedral rose over a late-Roman site; by the late 12th century the sculpted Galluspforte portal was added.

The 1356 earthquake devastated the church; the 14th–15th centuries saw a Gothic rebuild, with the Martinsturm completed in 1500.

After the 1529 Reformation it became Protestant; Erasmus of Rotterdam was buried here in 1536. Today it remains an active church and a defining landmark.

Location: Münsterplatz, 4051 Basel – atop the Münster hill above the Rhine embankments.

Getting there: Trams to Barfüsserplatz, Marktplatz or Schifflände, then a 5–10-minute walk through the Old Town.

Access: Nave free. Towers ticketed, stairs only; cloister accessible from the courtyard, generally open by day.

Visiting hours: Summer: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat 10:00–16:00, Sun ~11:30–17:00; Winter: Mon–Sat 11:00–16:00, Sun ~11:30–16:00.

Visit duration: 45–90 min; up to 2 h with tower and cloister.

Best time: Morning or golden hour for Pfalz and towers; clear days reach to the Vosges and Black Forest.

Notes: Tower climb CHF 6; last entry ~30 min before closing; weekday tower access paused during the 12:00–12:20 midday prayer; tower entry requires at least two people.