Of particular importance for the city were events during the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, including the Church Council, the founding of the first university in Switzerland around 1460 and the turbulent years of the reformation. Of particular importance for the city were events during the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, including the Church Council, the founding of the first university in Switzerland around 1460 and the turbulent years of the reformation.

At the time of Erasmus of Rotterdam, the humanist city was the centre of book printing and paper production. The world-renowned pharmaceutical and chemical companies have their roots in the silk ribbon factories that arose during the industrialisation of Switzerland. Basel is also the most important fair and congress centre in Switzerland. The oldest fair, the Autumn Fair, has been held here since 1471.

However old or young the history may be, it lives on noticeably and in exciting contrast to the modern era in all corners of the city.

Key dates in the city.s history back to Basel Info