Pauluskirche (Saint Paul’s Church), Basel
Saint Paul’s Church (Pauluskirche) in Basel is an architectural gem that blends Neo-Romanesque design with Art Nouveau artistry. Originally constructed between May 1898 and November 1901 by architects Karl Moser and Robert Curjel, the church was part of the Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton Basel-Stadt. Situated on an elevated triangular property in Basel's Ring district near Schutzenmatte, its monumental cross-shaped design and square tower make it a striking landmark, visible from the SBB train station along Viaduct Street.
The church's exterior features intricate Art Nouveau-inspired reliefs, including Christ Helping a Fallen Sinner by Carl Burckhardt and a sculpture of Archangel Michael defeating the dragon by Oskar Kiefer. The façade, with braided bands and geometric motifs, is complemented by a grand staircase and east-facing main entrance, diverging from traditional church orientations.
Inside, the semicircular arrangement of pews ensures all attendees have a direct view of the raised stone pulpit and communion table in the apse. The space follows the Wiesbaden program, emphasizing a unified liturgical setting. Artistic highlights include mosaics by Heinrich Altherr and stained glass windows by Max Laeuger, depicting key scenes from the life of Jesus and the Revelation.
The church underwent a significant transformation in 2019, ceasing regular services and becoming a cultural venue, Saint Paul's Cultural Church, in July 2021. Operated by a dedicated association, the space now hosts events, weddings, and concerts. Its unique aesthetics and historic ambiance make it a popular filming location, having been featured in music videos by artists such as GMT, Bausa, and Powerwolf. In 2023, the church received the Swiss Location Award with the highest distinction of "outstanding," cementing its status as a premier venue for cultural and celebratory occasions.
The church's exterior features intricate Art Nouveau-inspired reliefs, including Christ Helping a Fallen Sinner by Carl Burckhardt and a sculpture of Archangel Michael defeating the dragon by Oskar Kiefer. The façade, with braided bands and geometric motifs, is complemented by a grand staircase and east-facing main entrance, diverging from traditional church orientations.
Inside, the semicircular arrangement of pews ensures all attendees have a direct view of the raised stone pulpit and communion table in the apse. The space follows the Wiesbaden program, emphasizing a unified liturgical setting. Artistic highlights include mosaics by Heinrich Altherr and stained glass windows by Max Laeuger, depicting key scenes from the life of Jesus and the Revelation.
The church underwent a significant transformation in 2019, ceasing regular services and becoming a cultural venue, Saint Paul's Cultural Church, in July 2021. Operated by a dedicated association, the space now hosts events, weddings, and concerts. Its unique aesthetics and historic ambiance make it a popular filming location, having been featured in music videos by artists such as GMT, Bausa, and Powerwolf. In 2023, the church received the Swiss Location Award with the highest distinction of "outstanding," cementing its status as a premier venue for cultural and celebratory occasions.
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Pauluskirche (Saint Paul’s Church) on Map
Sight Name: Pauluskirche (Saint Paul’s Church)
Sight Location: Basel, Switzerland (See walking tours in Basel)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Basel, Switzerland (See walking tours in Basel)
Sight Type: Religious
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