Basel Town Hall

Basel Town Hall is the working seat of the canton’s parliament and government on Marktplatz, noted for its red sandstone, tower and painted courtyard. The main block was built 1504–1514 after Basel joined the Swiss Confederation.

• Red-sandstone representative front 1504–1514 – a statement after 1501; the battlements carry the 12 cantonal coats of arms of the Confederation of that time.
• North wing “Vordere Kanzlei” 1606–1608 with Hans Bock the Elder’s 1608–1611 illusionistic façade and courtyard paintings.
• Clock by Master Wilhelm 1511 and a Justitia figure on the façade – recalling the council’s judicial role.
• Neo-Gothic/Neo-Renaissance additions 1898–1904 – tower to the right, bay-window wing to the left; tower mural by Wilhelm Balmer 1901 of the standard-bearer Hans Bär.
• Arcaded inner courtyard free to enter in office hours – with 1611 wrought-iron grilles.

• The courtyard and arcades with Hans Bock’s paintings – best vantage from the staircase.
• Representative council chambers – via ~30-min guided tour (DE/EN, typically on Saturdays).
• The Marktplatz façade: tower, battlement coats of arms, clock face and polychrome décor.

The earlier “Richthaus” was destroyed in the 1356 earthquake and replaced by the “Palast der Herren”. After Basel joined the Confederation in 1501, a new showpiece town hall was commissioned – built 1504–1514; the rear building was raised 1517–1521. In 1521, Hans Holbein the Younger painted interiors.

In the early 17th century the “Vordere Kanzlei” was added 1606–1608; Hans Bock painted illusion façades and courtyard scenes 1608–1611, with wrought-iron grilles added in 1611.

Urban growth led to the 1898–1904 expansion: the right-hand tower, the left wing and a new Grand Council Hall 1901–1904; Balmer’s tower mural dates to 1901. A major restoration finished in 1982, and in 2014 the 500th anniversary of the oldest part was marked. Today it remains the canton’s political hub.

Location: Marktplatz 9, 4001 Basel.

Getting there: Trams to Marktplatz; also a 5–10-minute walk from Barfüsserplatz or Schifflände.

Access: Courtyard and public areas free Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00 & 12:30–17:00; representative rooms accessible only on guided tours.

Visiting hours: Short ~30-min tours usually on Saturdays (DE/EN) – check Basel Tourism for current slots.

Visit duration: 20–40 min for courtyard and facades; around 1 h with a tour.

Best time: Weekday mornings; market days on Marktplatz are especially atmospheric.

Notes: Access to some areas depends on parliamentary sessions and events; the tower is not open to climb; follow staff instructions in the courtyard.