Basel Town Hall

Basel Town Hall (Basler Rathaus) sits on the Marktplatz in the heart of Basel's Old Town and has housed the government of the canton of Basel-Stadt for about five centuries. Its red, painted facade is one of the city's most recognisable sights.

How old is the building and what is its history?

The original courthouse was destroyed by the great earthquake of 1356. After Basel joined the Swiss Confederation in 1501, the Grand Council voted in 1503 to build a new town hall. Construction ran from 1504 to 1514. The oldest section is a row of three pointed-arch arcades, with an ornate council chamber above.

Between 1517 and 1521 the older rear building gained an extra storey, creating the former Grand Council hall. Hans Holbein the Younger was commissioned to paint it in 1521. Those frescoes are considered lost, though fragments and preparatory drawings survive in the Kunstmuseum Basel. A front chancellery wing followed in 1606-1608. In 1899-1901 the broad office block and the tall tower were added.

What can you see?

• The market-side facade: red sandstone, gilding and painted illusionistic architecture linked to the Basel painter Hans Bock the Elder.
• The courtyard: the side walls under the arcades carry Bock's paintings from 1608-1609, including "Jehoshaphat Admonishing the Judges".
• The tower: a turn-of-the-century addition that contrasts with the Renaissance core and is visible across the square.

The Marktplatz itself is lively, with a market in front of the building and cafes and shops all around.

Can you go inside?

Since 1 January 2026 the building is no longer open as a public passage. Interior access is by guided tour or pre-arranged appointment, and tours are booked through Basel Tourismus. According to the canton, the courtyard remains open to everyone. The tower room is not public and is shown only on special tours.

How do you get there?

The town hall is in the centre, a few minutes on foot from the Mittlere Brücke and Münsterplatz. The easiest way is to take a tram to the Marktplatz area and walk the rest. Allow 30-45 minutes for the square and courtyard.

When is the best time to visit?

The facade is best lit in the morning. Market days are more colourful but also busier. Outside peak tourist periods it is easier to photograph the courtyard in peace.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission charged? Entering the courtyard is free. Interior visits take place as guided tours, with terms set by Basel Tourismus.

Is it a working government building? Yes. It is the seat of the Basel-Stadt authorities, so access to the interior is limited.

How old is it? The main part was built in 1504-1514, so it is roughly five hundred years old. The tower and large block date from around 1900.

What else is nearby? The Münster cathedral, the Mittlere Brücke and the Old Town lanes are all within walking distance.