Extension 3 - Art & Culture

The Lällenkönig is located on the Schifflände in front of the Mittlere Brücke. The copper head has a tongue that sticks out four times a minute thanks to a mechanism. At the same time, it rolls its eyes back and forth. 

It is not known why or when the Lällenkönig was created. However, it has existed here in various forms since 1658 and there are several theories as to its origins. Some interpretations claim that the Lällenkönig sticks his tongue out at the Kleinbasel district on the other side of the Rhine. Kleinbasel used to be the home of ordinary labourers. However, it could also simply be a joke with no deeper meaning. The Lällenkönig that is now displayed on the Schifflände was designed by Rosa Bratteler in 1941. The original Lällenkönig is now on display in the Historical Museum. 

... now it's on to the Spalentor.

The first city wall in Basel was built in 1080. It served as protection and fortification for the city for centuries. The city of Basel developed and due to population growth and possibly also the earthquake in 1356, which claimed many victims due to the cramped conditions in Basel, it was decided to build a second, outer city wall. It was largely demolished in 1860 because Basel expanded beyond the city wall. Basel once had seven city gates. Today, only three city gates remain: the St. Alban Gate, the St. Johanns Gate and the Spalentor, as well as a short section of the old city wall, which is a listed building.

The Spalentor was completed in 1400. Important goods once entered the city through this city gate. The name ‘Spalen’ was possibly derived from the Latin word ‘palus’ (pole). It is the most magnificent city gate in Basel and is adorned with a gate tower over 40 metres high, with a smaller, round tower on each side. In addition, the roof is made of colourful glazed bricks that form a pattern. 

... on to Münsterplatz, a place you should definitely visit if you live in Basel.

The Münsterplatz is one of the oldest squares in Basel and is home to the magnificent Basel Minster, one of Basel's most famous landmarks. The cathedral was originally the seat of a bishop and the bishop's staff can also be found in Basel's coat of arms. It was completed in 1091 and stands out from its surroundings with its red sandstone façade and colourful roof tiles. During the Reformation, which took place in Basel in February 1529 and included an iconoclasm, the canons of the cathedral left Basel. The Basel City Council then took over the cathedral. Over the years, restoration work has been carried out on the cathedral time and again. There are many restored medieval and baroque houses next to the cathedral. The paving of the square dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Throughout history, the square has played an important role in the daily life of the city. During the Middle Ages, the square was the venue for markets, festivals and tournaments.

A unique carnival has been celebrated in Basel since the 14th century (https://www.basel.com/de/veranstaltungen/basler-fasnacht). Like most carnival customs, the Basel carnival refers to the driving out of winter. The various carnival cliques in Basel set up their lanterns on Münsterplatz. These often aim to convey a critical message to society. The carnival survived even after the Reformation in 1529 and is today the only reformed carnival in Switzerland.

Münsterplatz is also the venue for the annual Museum Night and the Allianz cinema. The Museum Night (https://www.basel.com/de/veranstaltungen/museumsnacht) takes place once a year and makes it possible to visit many different museums in Basel at night free of charge. Museums that are close to Münsterplatz are the Museum der Kulturen Basel (https://www.mkb.ch/de.html) and the Natural History Museum Basel (https://www.nmbs.ch/). The Allianz-Kino (https://basel.allianzcinema.ch/de) is an open-air cinema that takes place on Münsterplatz every summer. In addition, the Basel Autumn Fair and the Basel City Run (http://www.baslerstadtlauf.ch) take place here on the first Advent. The Basel City Run is a public run through Basel. All age groups are represented and the runners run through the cordoned-off streets of Basel. On the square, behind the cathedral, there is also a popular vantage point from which you have a marvellous view of the Rhine. You will find the Münster ferry, one of the four Rhine ferries in Basel, if you walk from the vantage point to the Rhine.

... Finally, you pass the market square.

Basel's bright red town hall is on the Marktplatz. It was built between 1504 and 1514. There is a daily market on the Marktplatz, where local products and regional and Swiss specialities are offered, such as flowers, coffee, honey, handicrafts and wine. The square dates back to at least 1091. At that time, there was a grain market here where citizens met to do business. Basel's political centre was also established here in 1290, one year before the founding of the Swiss Confederation. The market square is particularly charming during the Christmas holidays. Visitors can do their Christmas shopping while enjoying hot chocolate and festive lighting. But thanks to the many charming cafés, restaurants and shops, most of which offer regional products, the market square is worth a visit all year round.