Walksoftly

17. The Fasnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain), another of Jean Tinguely’s poetic machine sculptures, can be seen at the former location of the stage of Basel’s theater at Klostergasse 7.

The Swiss artist created 10 mechanical figures — powered by low-voltage current — who appear to be playing in the water like the mime artists, actors and dancers that once occupied the stage at this spot.

18. Professional tennis player Roger Federer, who has won 20 Grand Slam titles, was born in Basel in 1981, and developed his tennis skills in the city and its suburbs. Federer is currently ranked world No. 3 in men’s singles tennis by the Association of Tennis Professionals

Basel native Roger Federer has more Grand Slam titles than any other male tennis professional. Photo by Tatiana.
19. Established in 1874, Zoo Basel is Switzerland’s oldest and largest zoo, attracting more than 1.8 million visitors each year.

14. With its twin spires, diamond-patterned roof and red stone walls, the Munster Cathedral dominates the Basel skyline. Built between 1019-1500 in Romanesque and Gothic style, the Munster was originally a Catholic cathedral that was converted to a Reformed Protestant church in 1529.

The Basel Münster (cathedral) was consecrated in 1019. After an 1356 earthquake, the church was rebuilt along Romanesque and Gothic lines. Climb one of the towers for panoramic views of Basel. Photo by Wladyslaw Sojka (Taxiarchos228)
15. The Münster’s two towers are named after Georg and Martin, saints of the night. For a few CHF, visitors can climb St. Martin’s tower, which is 213 feet high and offers spectacular views of Basel as well as the Alsace and Black Forest in the distance.

16. While Basel boasts more than 40 museums, the Tinguely Museum is one of the city’s most unique. Dedicated to Swiss artist Jean Tinguely and other “kinetic” artists, the museum features animated mechanical works described as “looking like they were created by a mad scientist using laboratory leftovers.”