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
One of three surviving city gates
Your local guide
Urs Meier
View profile
Highlights
- One of only three surviving city gates
- Twin turrets at an original crossing point
- Several centuries of building, one gate
- Basel's medieval defences, explained
- Stonework showing its own history
About this tour
This short session looks at one of Basel's surviving medieval city gates. You see the twin turrets standing at their original crossing point, then closer stonework showing several centuries of building phases. It stays at this one gate throughout.
I explain the gate's original defensive purpose first, then point out the later adjustments visible in the stonework. Questions about the city's old fortifications are welcome throughout.
This suits anyone interested in medieval fortifications and how little of them tends to survive in most cities. It also works well paired with a walk down to St Alban-Tal nearby.
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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Spalentor Gate 15 min
You see the twin turrets of one of only three surviving gates from Basel's medieval fortifications, still standing at its original crossing point.
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Gate Stonework 15 min
Closer to the stonework, I point out the different building phases visible in the gate, added and adjusted across several centuries of use.
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Your questions 7 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 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Basler Zwiebelwähe (onion tart) 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 12 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 Spalentor Gate and Gate Stonework 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 to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
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 grew up a few streets from this gate, so the old fortifications feel like part of my own neighbourhood.
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: Sat 28 Nov · 12 seats left From 16,00 €
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