Basel has more than 2,000 years of history, evolving from a Celtic‑Roman settlement into one of Europe’s key cultural, academic, and economic centers. Its strategic position on the Rhine shaped its growth, from medieval trade hub to modern pharmaceutical powerhouse.

Pre‑Roman & Roman Era

  • Prehistory: The region shows human activity going back over 100,000 years.

  • Celtic settlement: Before Rome, the area was inhabited by Celtic tribes.

  • ca. 30 B.C.: The Romans established a fortified military camp on the Münsterhügel (Cathedral Hill), laying the foundation for the city.

Middle Ages

  • 7th–8th century: Basel became an important bishopric, giving it political and religious influence.

  • 11th–13th centuries: The city expanded with bridges, walls, and guild structures.

  • 1356: The Basel Earthquake, one of Europe’s strongest, destroyed much of the city and led to major rebuilding.

  • 1460: Founding of the University of Basel, Switzerland’s oldest, attracting scholars like Erasmus of Rotterdam.

Renaissance & Reformation

  • 16th century: Basel became a center of printing, humanism, and scholarship.

  • The city embraced the Reformation in 1529, shifting its cultural and political identity.

  • Textile crafts — especially silk ribbon weaving — began to flourish.

18th–19th Centuries: Industry & Modernization

  • Basel grew into a trade hub thanks to its Rhine port.

  • Early industrialization boosted textiles, chemicals, and dyes — the roots of today’s pharmaceutical giants.

20th Century to Today

  • Home to global companies like Novartis and Roche, Basel became a world leader in life sciences and pharmaceuticals.

  • The city developed a strong cultural identity with Art Basel, world‑class museums, and a vibrant architectural scene.

  • Basel remains a crossroads of Swiss, French, and German influences, both culturally and economically.

 

The impressive 500 old Town hall of Basel.

Very nice frescos on the outside and inner court of the Town Hall.

Mermaids on the balcony of the Town Hall.

The Basel Minster is a very impressive cathedral build between 1019 and 1500.

Many beautiful medieval sculptures can be found on the outside of the Basel Minter.

Medieval gothic wood carving in the interior of the church.