Photos: Ermell, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hieronymus Hess, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain WikiEuropian, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo credits
Photos: Ermell, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hieronymus Hess, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain WikiEuropian, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Basel's most decorated building
Your local guide
Reto Baumann
View profile
Highlights
- A facade covered in murals and gold
- Government still run from the same building
- A courtyard continuing the painted scheme
- Basel's most decorated building
- Centuries of restoration, still bright
About this tour
This session looks at Basel's town hall, one of the most decorated buildings in the old town. You see the painted and gilded facade on the Marktplatz, then the courtyard behind it continuing the same painted scheme. It stays within this one building throughout.
I explain the building's continuous use as a seat of government first, then move into the courtyard for a closer look at the murals. Questions about the stonework and painting are welcome throughout.
This suits anyone interested in how decorated a working government building can still be today. It also works well paired with the market session just outside its doors.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Basel before heading out.
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Rathaus Facade 21 min
You see the red sandstone facade covered in painted murals and gilded decoration, and I explain how little the building's role in city government has changed since it was built.
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Rathaus Courtyard 21 min
Inside the arcaded courtyard, the camera finds further murals continuing the same painted scheme from the facade outside, still bright after repeated restoration.
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Your questions 9 min
Time to ask anything about Basel: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 4 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Rösti and Grossbasel, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Zurich time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 10 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Basel, showing you Rathaus Facade and Rathaus Courtyard live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need any background in art?
No. The guide explains what matters as you go, whatever you already know or do not.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet and the link comes with your booking. I trained as a stonemason, so I explain the carved and painted detail in real depth as we go.
Times shown in Zurich time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Fri 30 Oct · 10 seats left From 21,00 €
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