Basel

Basel is the centre of northwestern Switzerland on the border with Germany and France, and located at the very core of central Europe. Identification with their city is exceptionally high not only among the city's population, but also among those who live in the city's suburbs and beyond.

Basel’s history goes back to the first century BC with a Celtic settlement on the Rhine River. The city developed as a busy trading centre throughout the Middle Ages. In 1460 the University of Basel was founded and in 1501, Basel joined the Swiss Confederation. During the Renaissance it was one of the great cities of the humanist movement (Erasmus lived and died here). Since 1833, the city and the adjacent rural areas operated as two politically separate half cantons, Basel-Stadt and Basel-Land. The town has become a major hotspot of the European chemical/pharmaceutical industry, and a leading centre for banking and insurance.

Basel projects, well beyond central Europe, the image of a progressive, environmentally conscious, international, and integrative cultural, educational and economic metropolis. It successfully combines such small-town features as clarity and intimacy with the advantages of a city: expansiveness, wide choice and diversity.

Despite its social dynamism and innovative economic strength, Basel is a lively border town with a strong foundation in historical tradition, which can be experienced at its best during the Basler Fasnacht, the local carnival. Both its historical townscape and modern architecture are part of Basel's living present.

Basel is a transport hub, being on the European road and rail axis, with good connections to everywhere in Switzerland and neighbouring countries, and also has its own airport (Basel Euroairport).

See also:
www.basel.ch
www.baseltourismus.ch



Muttenz

With 17 000 residents, Muttenz is the third largest community in the canton of Basel-Land and borders directly on the city of Basel. With over 14 000 employment positions, Muttenz is the most significant work and business location in the canton Basel-Land. Muttenz is also the regional school and education centre: all institutions, from nursery schools right through to universities, are represented.

Despite the transformation from farm village to attractive residential, educational and work place, the centuries old historic image prevails and harmonises perfectly with modern standards of living. Cultural attractions are found in two local museums, the cantonal “Kunsthaus” (Art Museum) with contemporary art, and the “Kirche St. Arbogast”, Switzerland’s only remaining fortified church where the church yard is surrounded by a wall with pinnacles and gate towers.

See also:
www.muttenz.ch
www.baselland.ch
www.baselland-tourismus.ch