Basel Town Hall

The most eye-catching building on Marktplatz, the Rathaus has been the seat of Basel's government since 1512. Its facade is painted a vivid terracotta red — a deliberate, flamboyant choice that makes it immediately recognisable from across the square. The main tower and wings are encrusted with golden coats of arms, statues, and inscriptions.

You can walk freely through the inner courtyard, which is quieter and more elaborate than the exterior suggests. Frescoes cover the walls, and the arched arcades are a pleasure to stand in. Local guides will tell you that the shade of red was controversial when applied — residents either loved it or thought it clashed violently with everything around it. Most visitors now think it is the most photogenic building in Switzerland.

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The Rathaus was built in the early 16th century, but its startlingly red facade dates from a 1898 restoration that doubled down on the original colouring. The frescoes in the inner courtyard — depicting Basel's entry into the Swiss Confederation in 1501 — were painted at the same time, making the whole ensemble a Victorian reimagining of the medieval.

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