The Basel city walls are a complex of walls surrounding the central part of the Swiss city of Basel, only partially preserved today. The first city wall was completed around 1080 under bishop Burkhard von Fenis. A newer wall was constructed around 1230, which is known as the Inner Wall. Its course was mostly identical to the Burkhard wall. In 1362 the construction of a larger wall complex began due to the city's expansion; it was completed in 1398, and is known as the Outer Wall. In 1859 the city's executives decided to raze the inner wall and gates to the ground. Three outer city gates and a short piece of the wall were saved from demolition and are being preserved as part of the city's heritage.
At the end of the 11th century, the growing settlement in the valley was walled, though settlement continued outside the wall. As the town spread up the west slopes surrounding the Birsig river, that section was walled also. At the beginning of the 13th century, all these sections were included within a single wall that embraced both the valley and hill settlements. New walls were built around 1400, and those are the ones that lasted until the mid-nineteenth century.
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Renee Zeichen Stern | Dec 6, 2017
Nice tower within a lovely housing area and next to the botanical garden. During Xmas season all streets are beautifully decorated. Worth a stroll
Supra Cariappa | Feb 16, 2018
Cleanliness and the serinity of the streets around is just enough to make you feel good
Maurizio Meerkat | Dec 29, 2017
One of the surviving old gates to the city with its towers and an historic district (the Spalenvorstadt) behind it. Probably one of the most important architectural landmarks of Basel.
Martin Christoph Schwarzer | Aug 24, 2017
It's a nice building from the outside and it attests great building skill. I would have loved to see the inside and climb it. It's a nice walk to the place, but if you can't go up, I think it's not a must do in the city.
Prasittichai Kerdlapphon | Oct 27, 2017
Of course, it's not a big city gate. However, its design is quite beautiful and colorful.
Kadir Türkyilmaz | Mar 23, 2018
A big historic city gate in Basel. Worth to see
Dominique Vocat | Apr 4, 2018
The most beautiful of the three remaining city gates of the outer city fortification of 14th century.
Aleem Ishmael | Mar 17, 2018
A big gate, that is very old and historic. Lovely piece of architecture.
Richard Büffing | Apr 4, 2018
The Spalen Gate is one of the remaining gates of Basels ancient city wall. The wall used to go all around the city in medieval times. Part of it is still standing near St. Alban gate.
Devina | Jun 5, 2018
Splendid indeed. Last Time I visited Basel it was being renovated so it was good to see it this time in all its glory.
SS Hussain | Jul 4, 2018
Interesting tower, see it if you're in the area but not worth going out of your way for
Vin Chopra | Jul 20, 2018
Nice photo opportunities, with authentic Swiss architectural views
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