Basel’s Marktplatz is abuzz with restaurants, cafes, shops, boutiques and various other establishments throughout the day. But dominating over everything else in the square is the stunningly bright red 16th century Rathaus or Town Hall, which is actually a kind of a museum in itself that showcases the city’s history and heritage. The seat of Basel city government is a massive Renaissance-style building with frescos both on the facade and on the walls of the courtyard inside. In the middle of the courtyard is also an imposing statue of Munatius Plancus, the founder of the Roman settlement in Basel region. Only the courtyard and certain parts are accessible to the public.