Presiding over Marktplatz, the central square of Basel, the town hall for Basel city is a majestic red. The façade seen here is part of the original building, commenced in 1504, after Basel city joined the Swiss Confederation in 1501. The clock and the golden turret just visible in the upper right, were also part of the original building.

The colourful murals were painted by Hans Bock the Older starting in 1608, after the building had been significantly extended. In 1898, a further extension and renovation began, bringing the building to its current form. The guardsman statue seen here is a replica of the original from 1504, which now stands in the inner courtyard to protect it from the weather — imagine how relieved he feels about that, given he is over 500 years old.