History

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Many people have left their mark in Riehen: Neanderthals and Romans as well as religious orders, bishops and Basel patricians. The latter acquired land here after the city of Basel bought the village of Riehen in 1522. Even at the beginning of the 20th century, the place was still a cozy farming village with estates and gardens belonging to wealthy Basel families. It was only after the Second World War that Riehen developed into an up-and-coming municipality with a good 21,000 inhabitants today.

 

1st-3rd cent. N. CHR. 
The Romans settle in various places in the municipality.

751 N. CHR. 
The Wenken is mentioned as a manor owned by the monastery of St. Gallen.

1113 N. CHR. 
Riehen is mentioned by name for the first time.

1270 N. CHR.
Riehen comes into the possession of the Bishop of Basel.

1522 N. CHR.
The city of Basel buys the village of Riehen.

AB 1540 N. CHR.
Basel patricians acquire country estates in Riehen.

1609 N. CHR.
The first parish hall is built.

1648 N. CHR.
Peace of Westphalia: Basel mayor Johann Rudolf Wettstein, former bailiff of Riehen and owner of an estate, achieves the secession of the Confederation from the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

1833 N. CHR. 
Cantonal separation: Riehen becomes part of Basel-Stadt.

1862 N. CHR.
The Wiesentalbahn begins operations.

1908 N. CHR.
Riehen receives a tram connection with Basel.

1958 N. CHR.
Riehen is the first municipality in Switzerland to introduce women's suffrage in the citizens' commune.

1994 N. CHR.
Commissioning of the first geothermal plant in Switzerland.

1997 N. CHR.
The Fondation Beyeler opens.

2011 N. CHR.
The municipality receives the Unicef label "Child-friendly municipality".