Basel Town Hall

The Rathaus dominates Basel's market square with a facade of deep red sandstone, painted frescoes and a gilded tower. Built in the early sixteenth century to mark the city's entry into the Swiss Confederation, it has been enlarged over the centuries yet keeps its arcaded inner courtyard decorated with murals and coats of arms. A statue of the Roman founder Munatius Plancus stands beneath the arches. Still the seat of the cantonal government, its courtyard and stairs are open to visitors and remain a focal point of the old town.