Markthalle Basel (Basel Market Halle), Basel
The Basel Market Halle, also known as the "Grossmarkthalle," is a historic venue in Basel, with a vibrant past and a dynamic present. Originally constructed in 1929, this octagonal building served as a bustling market hub until 2004, when changing distribution methods rendered it obsolete. Following years of vacancy, the site was revitalized, blending historical architecture with modern uses.
The Market Halle’s shell vault is a masterpiece of engineering, inspired by the dome construction of the Leipzig Grossmarkthalle. Spanning 60 meters, with a thickness of just 8 centimeters, and standing 27-28 meters high, the dome exemplifies innovation in reinforced concrete design. The unique cycloidal shape was crafted under the direction of Adolf Goenner and Hans Ryhiner, with construction managed by Züblin AG and Hubert Rüsch. At its inauguration, the market hall was the third-largest reinforced concrete domed structure worldwide. Today, it is a listed building, preserving its historical and architectural legacy.
In 2013, a team led by architect Barbara Buser initiated efforts to restore the hall’s original purpose as a marketplace and community gathering space. Operated by Markthallen AG Basel, the venue now thrives as a cultural hotspot hosting flea markets, concerts, comedy nights, cooking classes, and more. Its interior is home to street food stalls representing global cuisines, alongside shops and private event spaces.
Today, the Basel Market Halle embodies its historical roots while serving as a modern hub of culture, cuisine, and community. Its transformation from a logistical center to a lively marketplace underscores its adaptability and enduring relevance in Basel's urban fabric.
The Market Halle’s shell vault is a masterpiece of engineering, inspired by the dome construction of the Leipzig Grossmarkthalle. Spanning 60 meters, with a thickness of just 8 centimeters, and standing 27-28 meters high, the dome exemplifies innovation in reinforced concrete design. The unique cycloidal shape was crafted under the direction of Adolf Goenner and Hans Ryhiner, with construction managed by Züblin AG and Hubert Rüsch. At its inauguration, the market hall was the third-largest reinforced concrete domed structure worldwide. Today, it is a listed building, preserving its historical and architectural legacy.
In 2013, a team led by architect Barbara Buser initiated efforts to restore the hall’s original purpose as a marketplace and community gathering space. Operated by Markthallen AG Basel, the venue now thrives as a cultural hotspot hosting flea markets, concerts, comedy nights, cooking classes, and more. Its interior is home to street food stalls representing global cuisines, alongside shops and private event spaces.
Today, the Basel Market Halle embodies its historical roots while serving as a modern hub of culture, cuisine, and community. Its transformation from a logistical center to a lively marketplace underscores its adaptability and enduring relevance in Basel's urban fabric.
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Markthalle Basel (Basel Market Halle) on Map
Sight Name: Markthalle Basel (Basel Market Halle)
Sight Location: Basel, Switzerland (See walking tours in Basel)
Sight Type: Shopping
Sight Location: Basel, Switzerland (See walking tours in Basel)
Sight Type: Shopping
Walking Tours in Basel, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Basel
Creating your own self-guided walk in Basel is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Basel's Historical Churches
Basel is the city of churches. Indeed, nowhere else in Switzerland will you find as many of them, both old and new, as here. Despite serious losses to the Reformation period, a good number of local temples have survived. Today, the vast majority of religious buildings, including the listed medieval Basel Minster, belong to the Evangelical Reformed Church.
The towers and spires of ancient... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The towers and spires of ancient... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Basel Old Town Shopping Walk
Basel’s Old Town is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city. It is a place where you can see buildings from the 15th century as well as contemporary structures. The architectural diversity of this well-preserved historical area is stunning as are the shopping opportunities.
On the left bank of the Rhine is Grossbasel, which encompasses the Old Town and many mainstream shops. On... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
On the left bank of the Rhine is Grossbasel, which encompasses the Old Town and many mainstream shops. On... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Basel Introduction Walking Tour
The modern and bustling city of Basel gets its name from a third-century Roman castle that stood here. It is likely the modernization of "Villa Basilius," or "Estate of Basilius." Interestingly, the basilisk has been closely associated with the city and used in the coat of arms and coins. The association is likely simple assonance rather than anything more profound.
However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles