Basel Minster

In front of you stands Basel Minster, one of the city’s most remarkable landmarks, easily recognized by its pink sandstone walls and its two slightly asymmetrical towers rising above the Rhine. Construction began in 1019, and the building evolved over nearly five centuries, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, especially after the great earthquake of 1356, which led to a large part of its reconstruction. The cathedral stands on a very ancient site that has been occupied since Roman times, and it played a central role in the city’s religious history, becoming Protestant during the Reformation in 1529. Inside, you’ll find the tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam, one of the great figures of the Renaissance. An old ghost story is also linked to this cathedral. According to local legend, the spirit of a former guard or canon is said to wander here at night. Some versions tell of a man condemned to roam the site after betraying his duties, while others speak of a clergyman unable to leave the place where he once lived. In the past, residents claimed they could hear footsteps or sense a presence in the cloister after nightfall. Even though the stories change depending on who tells them, the cathedral has long been at the center of these legends. Just behind the building, the Pfalz terrace offers one of the most beautiful views over the Rhine and the old town, so feel free to walk around the cathedral and enjoy the panorama.