Basel Town Hall

Basel Town Hall is an administrative building with red sandstone walls facing the market square, featuring a central courtyard with arcades and a decorated facade. A tall tower added in the early 1900s crowns the roof and defines the appearance of the square.

The building was constructed starting in 1504 to commemorate Basel's entry into the Swiss Confederation, replacing an earlier seat of government. Over the centuries, various rooms were redesigned and new elements were added while maintaining the essential character.

The Grand Council Hall displays ornate wall paintings that have been part of the administrative space for centuries. Visitors can observe these decorations and see how artistic work shapes the political rooms of the city.

The town hall is easy to find on the market square and accessible from several sides, with the main facade being most prominent. The interior still houses government offices, so not all areas are open to casual visitors.

Small bronze plaques near the middle arcade entrances mark two major floods that struck the city centuries apart. These details are easy to overlook but quickly become notable for observant visitors.

Location: Basel

Location: Basel-Stadt

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: Marktplatz 9

Website: https://bs.ch

GPS coordinates: 47.55830,7.58833

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03