After a heavy earthquake in 1356 the Münster , which originally had five steeples , was reconstructed with only two steeples remaining . At the older Georgsturm , the lower brighter part that has remained untouched , can still be seen . In 1500 a gorgeous finial was put on top of the Martinsturm . By using the steep spiral stairs in the southern steeple it is possible to see the old church clock from 1883 . The belfry is situated in between the two steeples which are connected through a gallery . Georgturm and Martinsturm can both be accessed by 242 stairs . From there one can get an overwhelming view of the city of Basel and the foothills of the Black Forest and the Jura Mountains
earthquake in 1356
1356 Basel earthquake
Basel Minster