____________Basel
Basel - TravelPuppy.com
Basel
The ancient university and trading city of Basel, bestride the Rhine between
the Jura, Alsace in France and Germany’s Black Forest, and is the centre of
art and research. During the 3 days of the Basler Fasnacht (a pre-Lenten
carnival), no serious sightseeing should or can be done, as visitors are
required to take part in the grand masked parties and street parades with
fancy costumes. There is a Fasnacht Fountain in front of the City Theatre.
The collection in the Art Museum ranges from Cranach and Holbein via
Rembrandt to Monet, Max Ernst and Picasso. In the old city centre stands the
ancient red sandstone cathedral or Münster (parts date from the 9th to 13th
century). Its tower affords extraordinary city panorama.
Other sights include the Spalentor (1370), one of the original city wall’s 3
remaining towers, and the Church of St Peter (15th century). Further away
from the town, mountain paths zigzag up the Jura mountains.
Excursions
Although northern Switzerland is not one of the main tourist areas, there
are a few well-known holiday resorts beyond Basel, one of which is the
picturesque Solothurn where the prevailing architectural styles are
Renaissance and Baroque.
Day trips to Aarau, Baden and the 13th century moated castle at Binningen,
is also recommended. During winter months, the main sport in the Jura
mountains is cross-country skiing. |
