Caption
After a big crowd on the warm Sunday afternoon the day before, on this wet and cool evening only few visitors found their way to Münsterplatz.
In the background you can see the Georg tower of the Münster (cathedral). This year Basel celebrates the 1000th anniversary of the cathedral. It was donated by the last Ottonian emperor, Henry II and his wife, Empress Kunigunde of Luxembourg, and was consecrated on 11 October 1019 by the builder, Bishop Adalbero I of Basel, in the presence of the imperial couple. Today's appearance mainly dates back to the late Romanesque constructions towards the end of the 12th century. The two towers were added in the 15th century.
On the square in front of the Münster a part of the autumn fair is taking place, another example of continuity, as this fair this year is already taking place for the 549th time. On 11 July 1471 Basel received a certificate with the seal of the emperor, in which he guaranteed the city of Basel the fair privilege "for all times". On 27 October 1471 the bells rang in the first Basel "Herbschtmäss". Since then this fair took place every year without interruption, which makes it the oldest fair in Switzerland. Today the event lasts a bit over two weeks and you find attractions and stalls on several squares in the old town.