Gate of Saint John, Medieval tower gate at Rhine waterfront, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
The Gate of Saint John is a medieval fortified structure with thick stone walls and high vaulted passages that showcase the fortification architecture of the period. The building sits at the Rhine edge and forms a notable point in the old town.
The gate was built in the early 1200s as part of Basel's outer defensive system and was used for protection until 1859. It is one of the few gates that survived the demolition of the city walls.
The gate served as a crucial passage for trade routes along the Rhine for centuries and continues to shape the character of this neighborhood. People use the area for walks, and the old structure connects the modern city to its medieval past.
The gate sits at a central location and is easily reached on foot from the old town. The site is well connected by tram and provides a good starting point for exploring along the Rhine.
The masonry contains stones from old Jewish cemeteries that were cleared during the expansion of the fortifications in the 14th century. This history is hidden within the architecture itself and reveals layers of city development.
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