The river Rhine.
From Munster cathedral (please refer to my previous post, ‘Munster, the beauty behind the bare winter trees’), a short walk takes you to the 14th century Rathaus, the Town Hall.
Now the seat of the government of the Canton of Basel, it gets intriguing as you enter inside. Many murals and statues force the visitors to crane their necks and look around. If your visit coincides with Christmas, the ubiquitous red adds to the splendour.
A walk back to Munster takes you to the classic Rhine. That which streams down from a high mountain ends up as a major European waterway. For centuries, this Romanesque-Gothic cathedral has been watching over the Rhine flowing by smoothly. Here and there, you will see small boats being lulled by the Rhine waters disappearing into the foggy outlines of France. That’s when someone aptly said: “You get a hint of France and a pint of Paris from here.”
The 14th century Rathaus, the Town Hall, Basel, Switzerland.
(Pro Helvetia, the Swiss Art Council sponsored this trip a few years ago).
Related stories: ‘Basel’s Literaturhaus, book-lovers’ favourite hangout’ & ‘Munster, the beauty behind the bare winter trees’.
Photos: SH
ENDLESSLY GREEN 