Schönes Haus - Beautiful House

The front house on Nadelberg

One of the benefits of studying English Linguistics and Literature in Basel is that the Department of English is situated in one of the oldest buildings in Basel, which also happens to be a very nice one - hence the name Schönes Haus (meaning beautiful house). The property Schönes Haus is situated on Nadelberg and today consists of two houses: the front house and the one in the back of the courtyard (see the picture below). The latter one is the oldest stone building in Basel, dating back to the 13th century.

The first-known owner of this property (and probably the person who built it) was the wealthy Konrad Ludwig who, after a knightly accolade, called himself "von Hertenberg". The property continued to be the home of rich citizens during centuries, until in 1968, it was given to the University of Basel. The buildings were rebuilt in baroque style in 1686 by the Karger family. The year as well as the family crest can still be seen above the entrance of the front house (see the picture below). The buildings were again restored between 1966 and 1968.

Very worth seeing are the gothic tracery windows and the beautifully painted ceiling in the great hall on the ground floor of the back house. These ceiling frescos date back to the 13th century. Today, lectures are held in this great hall. 

The gothic tracery windows and the great hall

Needless to say, these buildings are worth visiting, since not many buildings have survived the great earthquake of 1356 unscathed. They therefore offer a nice example of the constructive form of buildings before 1356. Although the buildings have been restored in the past, there are many things from the 13th century that have been preserved. 

source: http://www.altbasel.ch/haushof/schoenes_haus.html
source: http://engsem.unibas.ch/department/historical-note/
source: http://www.basel-virtuell.ch/en/highlights/secular_buildings/schoenes_haus?primaryIndex=3
photo credit: http://www.altbasel.ch/haushof/schoenes_haus.html