Basel Minster

Basel Minster is a Gothic cathedral built from red sandstone that sits on a hill overlooking the Rhine, with two slim towers reaching 67 meters high. The structure measures 65 meters in length and 32.5 meters across, featuring ornately carved interior spaces and detailed stonework on its facade.

Construction of this cathedral began in 1091, but the Basel earthquake of 1356 destroyed much of the original building and required substantial rebuilding. The reconstruction shaped its appearance for centuries to come and established it as a central landmark of the city.

The cathedral served as the spiritual center of Catholic Basel before becoming a Protestant house of worship during the Reformation. Today visitors can see inside a mix of religious artwork and reformed elements that reflect this profound transformation.

The cathedral sits on Münsterplatz and can be reached by taking trams 2 or 15 to Kunstmuseum station, then walking through Rittergasse to the entrance. The site is easy to navigate on foot, as the steps leading to the building itself are manageable for most visitors.

The crypt holds the tomb of Queen Anne of Habsburg and her son Charles, whose remains traveled through different locations across centuries. This shifting history shows how political and religious changes affected the burial places of important figures.

Location: Basel

Inception: 1091

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

Height: 67.3 m

Length: 65 m

Width: 32.5 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Address: Schützenstrasse 11

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-17:00; Saturday 10:00-16:00; Sunday 11:30-17:00

Phone: +41612729157

Website: http://muensterbasel.ch

GPS coordinates: 47.55639,7.59250

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00