The ancient city of Basel (44 BC), on the border with Germany and France, stands placidly on the Rhine and is considered the Swiss capital of culture. In view of its ancient origins and its modern and contemporary history, Basel is the perfect mix of past and present!
Don’t miss
Cathedral of Basel
The Basler Münster, or rather the Cathedral of Basel is a famous landmark. The first image that comes to mind when we think of the Swiss city is that of the Cathedral. Featuring two Gothic towers, it is the most important place of worship in Basel.
The Middle Bridge
The Mittlere bridge is one of the most scenic spots in the entire city. The Middle Bridge, or rather, the Mittlere Brücke is the oldest bridge over the Rhine, inaugurated in 1226, a fundamental step for large-scale trade.
Kunstmuseum Basel
The Fine Arts Museum Basel, the Kunstmuseum Basel, is unmissable – it offers the public the best Swiss art collection and is one of the top 5 in the world. The museum, made up of 3 different venues, houses works of art by artists of the calibre of Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Gauguin, Munch, Klee, Chagall, and Warhol.
Ferry-boats
The city has been built along the two banks of the river Rhine – in order to move easily from one to the other, the city has been equipped with a system of 4 ferries suspended on the river. These boats are not motor vessels; it is thanks to the river current alone that the ferries move along the route marked by horizontal ropes stretched between the two banks to which they are connected by means of a steel cable decorated with flags.
Food
Chocolate and Cheese: how can you resist the temptation to try these two typical local products! The culture of chocolate in Europe actually spread from Switzerland, so much so that the Food of the Gods has become one of its traditional symbols. Cheeses are also part of local tradition, even if each Swiss region has its own speciality. If you visit Basel, don’t miss a trip to the nearby region of Giura.
Travel Documents
Identity Card
An identity card valid for leaving the country allows entry into European Union countries. However, please note that there have been reports of difficulties in some countries with the recognition of renewed and stamped paper identity cards, as well as the refusal of electronic ID cards renewed with a certificate issued by the municipality.
Passport
An ordinary passport is valid for all countries whose governments are recognized by the Italian one, except for any legal restrictions, and can be obtained by all citizens of the Republic. A passport is issued (and renewed) by the police and abroad, by diplomatic and consular representatives. It is valid for 10 years, but in some cases provided for by current legislation, this validity may be shortened.
For more information, see www.poliziadistato.it
