Basel Old Town - Altstadt

The Munster is a towering Romanesque/Gothic cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, but there was an earlier church in the 8th century, and this site is where Basel began, with a Roman fort overlooking the Rhine River. On your first visit to the Munster, go late in the day, when the cathedral exterior, red sandstone and multicolored tiled roof, radiates color and warmth (in contrast to the austere white interior).

At the entrance, first look up at the two towers (not the same size). The left tower is "St. George Tower;" the right tower, "St. Martin Tower," was completed at a later date. Underneath St. George Tower is a sculpture of St. George on horseback, holding a long lance piercing the dragon (looks rather lion-like). To the right of St. George are statues of 13th century Emperor Henrich II and Empress Kunigunde, patron saints of Basel.

Inside the cathedral, check out the tombs of medieval knights (ritter), counts (graf) and countesses (grafin) - one knight is stretched out in his full suit of armor, toes propped up on a lion at his feet. For Queen Anna's 13th century tomb, she lies peacefully next to a small child, her son Charles who died in infancy. Don't miss the colorful bust of Queen Kunigunde, wearing a white wimple and golden crown.

Climb up the south tower, to the first terrace, then continue up to the Gothic tower for panoramic views of the Rhine River and Basel all around.

Outside the cathedral, go around to the north side to a viewing terrace (Pflaz). Look up at the facade, which has lions and odd-looking elephants supporting the columns, and pairs of medieval creatures.

From the Pfalz, if you walk down the stairs to the Rhine, you'll be at the ferry landing - take the boat across the river. Or, the cathedral is the starting point for our walk through the old town, starting at Rittergasse.

Tip: Munsterplatz, the square in front of the cathedral, is the location of a Christmas market in December.

In the Roman gallery are models of the Roman walls and buildings, kids can put together a Roman pot, excavate bones. Go to the basement for the knights exhibit - plenty of crossbows, helmets, pikes and armor, scenes of knights in battle. Kids can dress up as a knight (put on shield and chain armor) or build a castle.

Don't miss the room filled with fabulous Gothic red, green, blue tapestries with scenes of mythical creatures and monsters of medieval imagination, or stained glass coats of arms and model of Basel old town on the first floor gallery.

Teens will be fascinated by the "Baseler Totentanz" (Basel Dance of Death), which refers to the Black Death plague which devastated Basel around 1340. The gallery has a reproduction of a medieval Dominican church mural and many ceramic figurines of Death, each with a different person. Skeleton Death tugs a king by the arm, lurks behinds an artist, plays the violin for a musician, is reflected a noblewoman's mirror, leads a bishop by the hand, grabs a peasant with his basket, etc.

You can't miss the Rathaus - beautifully restored, it's big, bright red, decorated with frescoes, and a colorful geometric tiled roof. On the facade, shields of 12 Swiss cantons are displayed, and above the clock, a sturdy Swiss solider statue holds a gilded sword and flag with the Basel coat of arms (bishop's staff).

Go into the courtyard of the Rathaus, to see an impressive statue of the founder of Basel, Roman general Lucius Munatius Plancus, in 44 BC.

Tip: As you wander around the Rathaus and courtyard, see how many Basel coat of arms you can find - we counted 14.

Marktplatz, the square in front of the Rathaus, has open-air farmers market year round with fresh fruits and vegetables, snacks, and drinks.

Tip: Our favorite Basel toy museum for kids is the Spielzug Riehen.

Spalentor – This tower, built in 1370, has two crenellated towers about four stories high, spikey metal porcullis (which would have opened and closed), wooden door, just shows how much Basel needed to protect the city. Check out sculptures high up, and Basel coat of arms with two basilisks on the west side of the gate.

Tip: It's fun to walk to the Spalentor from the Marktplatz. Take any of the pedestrian stairs up to Spalenvorstadt, then follow the street, lined with old half-timbered houses, to Spalentor

St. Johanns-Tor – A single tower, beautifully ornamented with red sandstone emblem basilisks and Basel coat of arms, and ancient wooden door, built around 1356. Take tram 11, St. Johanns-Tor stop.

Next to the gate is Johannspark, a big grassy area next to the Rhine River. Bring a picnic and run around. The park is also close to the landing for the ferryboat across the river, St Johans Fahre, ride it back and forth.

St. Alban-Tor – Originally built in 13th century, but re-built after earthquake in 1356. Check out the portcullis with spikey points - the portcullis would have been lowered halfway to let people through, and also defend against possible attack. Take tram 3, St. Alban-Tor stop.

St. Alban-Tor is the beginning of a charming walk through St. Alban Tal to the Paper Mill and Museum, and also to see Muhlegraben, a remaining section of the old city walls.