The Basel Minster (Basler Münster) is a prominent Romanesque and Gothic cathedral situated in the historic center of Basel, constructed primarily between the 12th and 15th centuries. The cathedral is characterized by its red sandstone walls, patterned roof tiles, and two asymmetrical towers, St. George and St. Martin. Basel Minster has served as both a Catholic and, since the Reformation, a Reformed Protestant church and remains one of the city's most visited architectural landmarks.
The lower portions of the towers were constructed in the Romanesque style in the early 13th century. The upper sections were rebuilt in the Gothic style in the late 14th and 15th centuries. The south tower, completed in 1500, is crowned by a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon, while the north tower, slightly lower, was finished earlier and bears a statue of Saint Martin.
Basel minster facade with St. George and St. Martin towers
nave
choir
The stained glass windows of Basel Minster are largely products of the 19th century. By that time, almost none of the original medieval glazing had survived. In the upper Gothic section of the choir, windows in the Neo-Gothic style were installed, featuring depictions of Moses, David, the four Evangelists, as well as Peter and Paul. These were created by the German artist Franz Xaver Eggert.
stained glass windows in the choir
In the south transept of Basel Minster, a rose window, also dating from the 19th century, depicts Christ as the Judge of the World, surrounded by angels. The window is constructed with a wooden frame and is visible from the cathedral's cloister.
south transept rose window
south transept rose window
cloister
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