Basel - Petersplatz

On the south side of Basle's Petersplatz stands the new university building (1938-46) by the Zurich architect Roland Rohn. At the entrance is a mosaic by Walter Eglin depicting scenes from daily life and in the corridors are pictures and busts of famous personalities and scientists, including one of Pope Pius II who founded the university in 1460. The great hall (Aula) contains 10 stained glass windows and its beautiful courtyard has a waterlily pond.

St Peter's church (Peterskirche) was rebuilt at the time of the Council of Basle (15th C.). The gallery runs around the nave, and reticulated vaulting in the choir is from an earlier building (14th C.). Of interest are the frescoes in the Eberler chapel and the nave. In front of the church is a bronze bust of the poet J. P. Hebel (b. Basle 1760).

Beyond the botanic gardens of Petersplatz in Basel a concrete building (1965) houses the rich University Library. Its collection includes numerous incunabula and manuscripts dating from the time of the Council of Basel (1431-87).