basel

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Basel-Stadt. It sits on the Rhine at the tripoint where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, forming a core of the Basel metropolitan area. The city has a long-standing role as a commercial and cultural center.

Basel’s historic center, Altstadt, preserves medieval streets and landmarks such as the Basel Minster, the red façade Rathaus (Town Hall) and the Spalentor city gate. The Rhine promenade and bridges link the old town with newer districts, and the nearby Three-country region shapes its cross-border character.

Economic and educational profile: Basel is a major hub for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, with Roche and Novartis maintaining significant operations in the region. The University of Basel, founded in 1460, is Switzerland’s oldest university, and Basel hosts the University Hospital Basel and several research institutions.

Cultural life: The city hosts Art Basel, one of the world’s leading international art fairs. Museums such as Kunstmuseum Basel and the Fondation Beyeler in nearby Riehen house important collections. Basel is also known for its Rhine riverside, a dense tram network, and Basel SBB railway station, a major transport hub in the tri-border area.