SPALENTOR

Marvel at one of the most beautiful gates of Switzerland, the Gate of Spalen was once a strong entrance in Basel’s old walls. It is one of the three remaining gateways to the city, admired for its beautiful design. Made of sandstone, it features a square main tower and two round towers. There is also a clock on the gate of this significant heritage site in Basel that showcases the city’s rich past.

Explore Basel’s rich history by visiting the Spalentor, also known as the Gate of Spalen. It stands out as a captivating piece of the city’s past. Delve into its rich history to learn that it was originally built in 1356 to fortify Basel against potential threats. However, it replaced earlier city walls and became one of the three remaining gates—Marvel at its stunning architecture, adorned with figures of the Madonna and prophets. Explore this historical aspect as part of your Switzerland tour package, delving into the rich tapestry of the town's past and the strategic significance these gates held in safeguarding the city.

Wander through Basel to come across the Spalentor, a stunning city gate that has survived for centuries. Be impressed by how strong it is as, despite the removal of many of Basel's old walls long ago, the Spalentor still stands strong. With its big square tower in the middle and round towers on each side, it is truly a sight you will remember.

Highlights

• Marvel at one of the most magnificent city gates that remains in Switzerland today by visiting the Gate of Spalen.
• Experience the grandeur of the main central square tower, surrounded by forward-standing round towers on each side.
• Learn about the gate's rich history and significance as a key defensive structure in medieval Basel.
• Enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the Spalentor, with the 15th-century St. Peter's Church and the Botanical Garden nearby.
• Soak in the views of Basel’s old town rooftops and the scenic hills of the Jura, Black Forest, and Vosges.

How To Reach

• By Foot: Spalentor is located in the heart of Basel’s Old Town, so you can easily walk to the gate if you are already in the city center. It will take you around 2 to 3 minutes to reach here from the center. 
• By Bus: To reach Spalentor from Basel SBB Station you can take the Line 30 bus. This bus ride usually takes about 5 minutes. Buses depart from Basel, Bahnhof SBB to Basel, Spalentor every 10 minutes, making it a convenient and efficient option for transportation.

Best Time To Visit

You can visit the Spalentor any time of the year and enjoy the magnificent sight.

• Best day: The best day to visit Spalentor is during weekdays, as these days are less crowded compared to weekends. On weekdays, you can explore the historic gate and its surroundings with fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed and immersive experience. 
• Best time: The best time to visit Spalentor is during the morning hours. During this time, the weather is usually pleasant, and the sunlight illuminates the historic gate beautifully, offering excellent conditions for photography. Moreover, visiting in the morning allows you to avoid the crowds that tend to increase later in the day.

Other Essential Information

1. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and climbing stairs, as you will be exploring the medieval city gate and its surroundings.

2. Bring your camera e to capture the stunning views of Basel's Old Town from the top of Spalentor.

3. Check the opening hours of Spalentor in advance and plan your visit accordingly 

4. Consider joining a guided tour of the fortifications if you want to learn more about the history and significance of Spalentor from knowledgeable guides.

5. While exploring Spalentor, remember to respect the historical site and follow any rules or regulations in place.