Page 182 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Switzerland

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BASEL MÜNSTER

⌂ Rittergasse 3 # 10am–5pm Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm
Sat, 11:30am–5pm Sun ∑ baslermuenster.ch
Set on a hill above the Rhine, Basel’s monumental cathedral is
EXPERIENCE Northern Switzerland to Romanesque and Gothic architecture. 19th-century stained-glass
a conspicuous and majestic presence in the city. With dark red
sandstone walls and patterned roof tiles, it is a vivid monument

The ambulatory is lit by
The church that originally stood on this site
was built in the 8th century, but the present
windows depicting the
cathedral was begun in the 12th century.
Nativity, Crucifixion and
Partly damaged by an earthquake in 1356,
Resurrection of Christ.
it was rebuilt in the Gothic style, although
elements of the earlier building were also
incorporated into the structure. In the 16th
century, as a result of the Reformation, the
adorn the win-
cathedral was stripped of almost all its fur­
dows of the choir.
nishings and decoration. However, some fine Carved elephants
Romanesque and Gothic sculptures sur vive,
as does the church’s 19th­century stained
glass and the beautiful 14th­century frescoes
in the crypt. On the south side of the cathedral
are peaceful Gothic cloisters, with several
tombs and epitaphs that give this part of the
complex its dignified, contemplative character.

A fine Nativity scene among the
frescoes on the ceiling of the crypt

The magnificent
Romanesque Galluspforte
portal has carvings
depicting Judgment Day
and works of mercy.

On the south side of the cathedral
are peaceful Gothic cloisters, with
several tombs and epitaphs that
The church’s exterior, with its patterned give this part of the complex its
roof atop sturdy sandstone walls dignified, contemplative character.
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