Basel, Switzerland

   Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland.   It is located in the North-west corner or Switzerland where the countries of Switzerland, Germany and France border each other. Basel has wonderfully diverse cultures, and also a multifaceted history, modern art and architecture all of which converge here.

   Since the Middle Ages, Basel has been an important crossroads of commerce and transportation, mainly due to navigation on the Rhine River. Ferries, roundtrip river cruises and lock gates link Basel's four harbors and sights.

    Basel offers fascinating walking tours, where visitors can discover the Old Town, which is dotted with buildings dating from the 15th century. The large market square, for example, is dominated by a town hall built between 1507 and 1513. The Spalentor, one of Switzerland's most beautiful city gates, was erected in the late 14th century.

 Basel's true landmark, however, is the Minster with its slender spires. It was built in different architectural styles between the years of 1019 and 1500.