Spalen Gate

Basel, Switzerland

The Gate of Spalen (Spalentor) is a former city gate in the ancient city walls of Basel. One of the three remaining gateways, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful gates of Switzerland.

In October 1356, a major earthquake destroyed the old Basel. Then local people surrounded their newly built city with a high city wall and a moat in front of it. The ring wall had over 40 towers and seven of them were gate towers like the Spalentor (completed in 1473-74).

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Details

Founded: 1473
Category: Castles and fortifications in Switzerland

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Leo Lee (4 months ago)
A city gate which look good by itself. It is a small building indeed which you can see the pictures online. However, it is close to other scenery points, it’s worth to come and take a picture.
David Zaki (7 months ago)
It is an old city gait representing the remaining part of the old city borders. You can pass through it, which shifts you to the old city. It's a nice place to take some great shots. A lot of old historical places are to be visited near it.
Andy Padvorac (8 months ago)
This city gate is an amazing medieval structure. Even with trolly cars, automobiles, and ebikes whizzing past it and through it, it is still easy to imagine the gate doing its job of protecting a city.
Tom (TomHobie) (8 months ago)
The Spalentor (Gate of Spalen, formerly Gate of Saint Paul) is a former city gate of the city of Basel. It is one of the three city gates that still exist today and is under monument protection. The Spalentor was the most elaborate city gate of Basel and is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. ??✨
Fabio Diglio (3 years ago)
The impressive and fortified Spalentor (Gate of Spalen) was one of the original eight gates that were part of the city's outer fortifications. Situated on the important trade route towards Alsace, supplies and provisions as well as traders and travellers entered Basel through this gate.
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