Martinskirche, Romanesque church in Basel, Switzerland.

Martinskirche is an evangelical-reformed church on the northern end of the Münsterhügel, above Basel's Grossbasel old town. Its tower's lower storeys and parts of the west façade date to 1287, while the polygonal choir and the north and south façades go back to the late 14th century. The interior holds numerous epitaphs, and a wall painting of Saint Martin by Hans Rohner has hung above the south portal since 1922.

First documented in 1101/1103, Martinskirche is considered Basel's oldest parish church. The lower tower storeys and parts of the west facade date to 1287, while the choir polygon and north and south facades largely belong to the late 14th century. In 1529 Johannes Oekolampad, Basel's reformer, preached here for the first time in German according to the Reformed rite. A major renovation in 1851 reshaped the facades and replaced the rood screen with a concert stage.

The name recalls Saint Martin, depicted above the south portal since 1922 in a mural by Hans Rohner. Since 1851 the church has also served as a concert venue, with a stage replacing the former rood screen, and it hosts state events. One of its bells traditionally rings in Basel's Autumn Fair on the opening Saturday.

The church sits in central Basel and is easily reached by public transportation; check opening hours in advance before your visit. Visitors can enter the interior during designated times, and it's considerate to be mindful of any services taking place.

One bell of Martinskirche traditionally rings on the opening Saturday to launch the Basler Herbstmesse, the autumn fair. The church also served as a concert venue: during the 1851 renovation a first concert stage replaced the rood screen, and the building was used for concerts and state events. Above the south portal, a mural of Saint Martin by Hans Rohner has been visible since 1922.