Plizio Visual Lab
Basel Minster
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
cathedral
The Basel Minster is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city, characterized by its distinctive red sandstone architecture and colorful patterned roof tiles. Built between 1019 and 1500, the cathedral showcases a unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Following the catastrophic earthquake of 1356, much of the original Romanesque structure was rebuilt in the Late Gothic style, giving it its current majestic appearance. Its two iconic towers, St. George's and St. Martin's, dominate the skyline and offer visitors sweeping views across the Rhine River toward the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. The Minster was the site of significant historical events, including the Council of Basel in the 15th century. It also houses the tomb of the renowned humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam, who was buried here in 1536. The 'Pfalz' terrace behind the cathedral provides one of the city's most beloved viewpoints. Since the Reformation, this former Catholic cathedral has functioned as the main Reformed church in Basel.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Berney Fine Arts · Tachet · Römische Umfassungmauer
- Nearby: Allschwil (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 60 | 74 | 75 | 118 | 105 | 107 | 110 | 79 | 94 | 77 | 87 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Basel Minster is open to visitors during opening hours and can be entered for free. The interior impresses with red sandstone and Gothic details.
Typical hours
The minster is usually open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with different hours on holidays. Services are held regularly; entry is then for participants only.
Photography
Photography inside is allowed without flash. Climbing the towers has fantastic views and is worth it for panoramic shots.
Time needed
Allow about one hour for the minster visit, including the crypt. If you also climb the towers, add another half hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk along the Rhine or across the Middle Bridge. Basel's historic centre with the town hall is also nearby.
Getting there
The minster is in central Basel, about a ten-minute walk from SBB station. You can easily reach the Münsterplatz stop by tram.
Insider tip
Climb the Georg Tower for the best view over the old town and the Rhine. Entry to the towers is paid, but the minster itself is free.
Geography
Facts
- The Minster was consecrated in 1019 by Emperor Henry II.
- The 1356 earthquake destroyed five of the cathedral's towers and its vault.
- St. Martin's Tower is the shorter tower, standing at 62.7 meters.
- Erasmus of Rotterdam was buried in the Minster in the year 1536.
- The Gallus Portal is the oldest Romanesque figured portal in the German-speaking world.
- The cathedral hosted the Council of Basel between 1431 and 1449.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Basel Minster (10)
Römische Umfassungmauer
Information point with key access, key available at the Basel Minster information desk.
🌐 archaeologie.bs.ch🕒 Apr-Sep: 10:00-17:00; Oct-Mar: 11:00-16:00; SH off
Basler Marionettenthater
Puppet theatre in Basel performing shows for children and adults.
Keltische Befestigung «Murus Gallicus»
Celtic wall remains in Basel, evidence of the city's early history.
Aussenkrypta des Münsters
Information point with key access, key available at the Basel Minster information desk.
Museum der Kulturen🏛 museum
Museum in Basel showcasing cultures from around the world.
Pfalz
Viewing terrace next to Basel Minster overlooking the city and the Rhine.
The Beast Comedy Club
Comedy club in Basel featuring live stand-up performances.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who is buried in the Basel Minster?
The famous humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam is buried here.
Can you climb the towers of the Minster?
Yes, climbing the Georgsturm or Martinsturm costs 6 CHF.
What is the building's distinctive feature?
The red sandstone and the colorful tile patterns on the roof.
Are there cloisters there?
Yes, the Minster has two beautiful Late Gothic cloisters.
How do you reach the Minster?
It is prominently located on the Münsterhügel hill in Basel's old town.
Basel Minster: where is it located?
Basel Minster is located in Switzerland.
Basel Minster: what is there to see?
Highlights include Berney Fine Arts, Tachet, Römische Umfassungmauer.
Basel Minster: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Basel Minster: why is it worth visiting?
The Basel Minster is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city, characterized by its distinctive red sandstone architecture and colorful patterned roof tiles.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Switzerland →
Nearby cities
Köniz
Köniz is a municipality located directly south of Bern.
La Chaux-de-Fonds
The city in the Canton of Neuchâtel is the primary center of the Swiss watchmaking industry.
Uster
Uster is the third-largest city in the Canton of Zurich, located by Lake Greifensee.
Neuchâtel
The capital of the eponymous canton is located on the northern shore of Lake Neuchâtel.
Emmen
Emmen is a significant city in the Canton of Lucerne.
Zug
Zug is the capital of the eponymous canton and lies on the shores of Lake Zug.
Yverdon-les-Bains
This city is located at the southwestern end of Lake Neuchâtel and is famous for its thermal springs.
Frauenfeld
Frauenfeld is the capital of the Canton of Thurgau, located in the broad Murg Valley.
Wetzikon
Wetzikon is a city in the Zurich Oberland on the shores of Lake Pfäffikersee.
Bulle-La Tour
Bulle is located in the canton of Fribourg in the Gruyère region.
Bulle
Bulle is the economic center of the Gruyère region in the Canton of Fribourg.
Horgen
Horgen is located on the left bank of Lake Zurich and is the capital of the eponymous district.
Kreuzlingen
Kreuzlingen is located on Lake Constance in the Canton of Thurgau and forms a cross-border metropolitan area together with the German cit…
Aarau
Aarau is the capital of the Canton of Aargau, located on the Aare River at the southern foot of the Jura.
Dietikon
Dietikon is the capital of the eponymous district in the Limmat Valley.