Walls of Basel, Medieval city walls in Basel, Switzerland
The Walls of Basel are medieval fortifications surrounding the city center, preserved in several sections along with three distinctive gates: Spalentor, Sankt-Alban-Tor, and Sankt-Johanns-Tor. These elements form a system of stone walls and passages that trace the outer boundaries of the historic settlement.
The inner wall was built around 1230, while the outer fortification was constructed between 1362 and 1398, significantly expanding the city's protected area. These building phases show how Basel grew over generations and adapted its defenses to changing needs.
The walls remain woven into Basel's identity and shape how residents and visitors navigate the old town. The preserved gates and wall sections serve as natural landmarks that define the character of the historic center.
Walking along the walls is straightforward on foot, as the preserved sections and gates are spread throughout the old town. Local tourism centers provide maps and guidance for self-guided exploration of the fortifications.
The outer walls incorporate debris from the 1356 earthquake, showing how construction relied on salvaged materials from local disasters. Stones from destroyed Jewish gravesites were also built into the fortifications, a silent record of past upheaval.
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