Martinskirche (St. Martin's Church), Basel
Saint Martin's Church (Martinskirche) is the oldest parish church in Basel, perched on Cathedral Hill (M眉nsterh眉gel) in the heart of the Old Town. Its origins trace back to 1101/1103, with parts of its Romanesque predecessor believed to date as far back as the 8th century. Over centuries, it evolved into a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, blending elements of its Carolingian and medieval heritage.
The church鈥檚 lower tower sections and west fa莽ade date to 1287, while its choir and side fa莽ades showcase the artistic developments of the late 14th century. A mural above the south portal, painted by Hans Rohner in 1922, depicts Saint Martin of Tours, the church鈥檚 patron, adding a vibrant historical touch to its exterior.
Saint Martin鈥檚 Church holds a pivotal place in the history of the Reformation in Basel. In 1529, reformer Johannes Oecolampadius preached here in German for the first time, marking a significant shift in religious practice. Following extensive renovations in 1851, the church transitioned from a sacred space to a cultural hub. Its outstanding acoustics have since made it a premier concert venue, hosting orchestras and choirs in a space redefined by its history.
The church is also home to numerous epitaphs and an atmospheric interior that invites both reflection and admiration. Its bell plays a unique role in Basel鈥檚 cultural calendar, ringing to mark the opening of the Herbstmesse (autumn fair) and the Morgenstreich at Carnival.
Saint Martin鈥檚 Church embodies Basel鈥檚 deep historical roots and vibrant cultural life. Its location on Cathedral Hill offers visitors an excellent starting point for exploring Basel鈥檚 rich architectural and artistic heritage, blending spirituality, history, and culture in one remarkable landmark.
The church鈥檚 lower tower sections and west fa莽ade date to 1287, while its choir and side fa莽ades showcase the artistic developments of the late 14th century. A mural above the south portal, painted by Hans Rohner in 1922, depicts Saint Martin of Tours, the church鈥檚 patron, adding a vibrant historical touch to its exterior.
Saint Martin鈥檚 Church holds a pivotal place in the history of the Reformation in Basel. In 1529, reformer Johannes Oecolampadius preached here in German for the first time, marking a significant shift in religious practice. Following extensive renovations in 1851, the church transitioned from a sacred space to a cultural hub. Its outstanding acoustics have since made it a premier concert venue, hosting orchestras and choirs in a space redefined by its history.
The church is also home to numerous epitaphs and an atmospheric interior that invites both reflection and admiration. Its bell plays a unique role in Basel鈥檚 cultural calendar, ringing to mark the opening of the Herbstmesse (autumn fair) and the Morgenstreich at Carnival.
Saint Martin鈥檚 Church embodies Basel鈥檚 deep historical roots and vibrant cultural life. Its location on Cathedral Hill offers visitors an excellent starting point for exploring Basel鈥檚 rich architectural and artistic heritage, blending spirituality, history, and culture in one remarkable landmark.
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Martinskirche (St. Martin's Church) on Map
Sight Name: Martinskirche (St. Martin's Church)
Sight Location: Basel, Switzerland (See walking tours in Basel)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Basel, Switzerland (See walking tours in Basel)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Basel, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Basel
Creating your own self-guided walk in Basel is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Basel Introduction Walking Tour
The modern and bustling city of Basel gets its name from a third-century Roman castle that stood here. It is likely the modernization of "Villa Basilius," or "Estate of Basilius." Interestingly, the basilisk has been closely associated with the city and used in the coat of arms and coins. The association is likely simple assonance rather than anything more profound.
However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Basel Old Town Shopping Walk
Basel鈥檚 Old Town is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city. It is a place where you can see buildings from the 15th century as well as contemporary structures. The architectural diversity of this well-preserved historical area is stunning as are the shopping opportunities.
On the left bank of the Rhine is Grossbasel, which encompasses the Old Town and many mainstream shops. On... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
On the left bank of the Rhine is Grossbasel, which encompasses the Old Town and many mainstream shops. On... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Basel's Historical Churches
Basel is the city of churches. Indeed, nowhere else in Switzerland will you find as many of them, both old and new, as here. Despite serious losses to the Reformation period, a good number of local temples have survived. Today, the vast majority of religious buildings, including the listed medieval Basel Minster, belong to the Evangelical Reformed Church.
The towers and spires of ancient... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The towers and spires of ancient... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles