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Historical Museum

In Basle's busy Barfüsserplatz is the 14th C. Barfüsserkirche (church of the barefoot friars), which now houses the Historical Museum, with an important collection on the history of culture and art (renovated 1975-81); cellars constructed and reconstruction of the rood screen). Notable exhibits in the nave of the church are the Late Gothic tapestries and the "Lällenkönig" ("Babbling King"), a crowned head with a movable tongue and eyes, once the emblem of Gross-Basel (17th C.). In the aisles are weapons and furnished rooms, in the choir religious art, in the crypt the Minster treasury.

Town Hall

The Mittlere Brücke leads into the Marktplatz (Market Square), which is dominated by the brightly painted Basle Rathaus (Council House). The main building, with arcades, is in Late Burgundian Gothic style (1504-21); the new wing to the left and the tall tower on the right are 19th C. additions.

The clock is the work of the Master Wilhelms (1511/1512). The wall-paintings in the attractive courtyard are in part the work of Hans Bock (1608-11; restored). The statue (1574) on the outer staircase represents the legendary founder of the town, Munatius Plancus. Visitors can see the two council chambers (the Regierungsratsaal with its impressive wood paneling and the Grossratsaal, which contains 15 coat-of-arms of the Swiss cantons).

Spalentor

To the west of Basle's University is the Spalentor (1370), a fortified gate which marks the end of the old town. The town gate, once part of the old town walls, has stood alone since their destruction in the 19th C. On the left there is an old letter box by M. Berri (1801-1854) with the emblem of the Basle pigeon.

Zoologischer Garten

In the Birsig valley is Basle's large and interesting zoo (Zoologischer Garten; restaurant), affectionately known as the Zolli by the people of Basle. Founded in 1874 with 510 European animals it contains mainly exotic species. It comprises a vivarium (fish, penguins, reptiles), a bear enclosure with different species, an excellent monkey house (1970 orangutans, gorillas, proboscis monkeys, etc.), an aviary (1927) with indigenous and exotic birds, birds of prey, an antelope house and children's zoo. The zoo has been particularly successful in breeding rhinoceros. The elephants put on a performance in a special arena and give rides to children.

Augusta Raurica

A short distance uphill from Augst (signposted) is the site of the Roman colony of Augusta Raurica, founded about 27 B.C., with a large theater and the remains of several temples. At the near end of the site, on the left, is a reconstruction of a Roman house (1953-57) containing a museum. To the right is the theater (restored: performances in summer), and beyond this to the east the site of a temple, the main forum and a basilica. On a hill west of the theater are the remains of a large temple, and to the south a residential district. Southwest of the main complex is an amphitheater discovered in 1959.

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January - February -> -3(°C) - Winter
July - August -> 26(°C) - Summer

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