Basler Munster

The Basler Munster or Basel Cathedral, located on a hillock on the banks of the Rhine, is an imposing structure that towers over the city’s skyline. The cathedral is as fabulously rich and educative as a museum. With cobbled lanes leading up to it, the cathedral is built in red sandstone in a mix of late Romanesque and early Gothic architectural styles. Its twin steeples rise resplendently against the blue sky. It was originally built in the 11th century and then rebuilt or renovated extensively over the centuries. Inside, it is a veritable museum with an intricately sculpted portal, elaborate carvings on the facade depicting scenes of St George slaying the dragon, a plaque dedicated to the famous priest and theologian Erasmus Roterodamus and a massive organ. The cloister behind is usually deserted and has beautifully arched corridors, stone plaques and sculptures, while the roof is eye-catching with thousands of white, orange, green and purple ceramic tiles in geometric patterns.