About Basel, Switzerland
Basel is a city on the Rhine River bordering both Germany and France. Sources first mention Roman fortifications at the site in 374 A.D. as "Basilia." Today it is one of the largest cities in Switzerland.
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Munster
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The present day cathedral dates back to the 16th century, but a different church originally stood on the spot, which was consecrated in 1019. The great humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam is buried in the Munster.
University of Basel
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Pope Pius II founded Switzerland's oldest university in 1460 during the Council of Basel. Since its founding, it has been home to many intellectuals including Paracelsus, Jacob Burckhardt and Friedrich Nietzsche.
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Kunstmuseum
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Basel's art museum had its beginnings in the 17th century when the municipal parliament bought the Amerbach Kabinett collection. The museum today houses art dating from 15th to the 21st century.
Pharmaceuticals
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Basel is home to many large pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis and Hoffmann- La Roche and smaller companies including Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd and Actelion. It is also part of BioValley, a network of French, Swiss and German companies that collaborate on research and development in the life sciences.
Fun Fact
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The Trade Fair Tower (Messeturm) is the largest building in Switzerland. Built in 2003, it has 32 floors.
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