The "Basler Hof" (Basler Court) is, since 1952, home to the Regierungspräsidium (government headquarters). Konrad Stürtzel , court chancellor to Maximilian I and one of the first seven professors of the newly founded University, constructed the original building between 1494 and 1496 by rebuilding several older houses. Since that time, the "Basler Hof" has been one of the city's most important secular buildings.

Between 1587 and 1677, it was the residence in exile of the Cathedral Chapter of Basel. The Austrian rulers used it as their local headquarters between 1698 and 1802.

The interior of the "Basler Hof" was gutted by fire in 1944. Rebuilding followed in 1950-51 under Land President Leo Wohleb. Only the outside of the main building replicates the old form, lacks of course the original facade paintings by Fritz Geiges (1891).

The spiral stairs and the offices of the Regierungspräsident (government president) are the only interior reminders of the building's splendor in Stürtzel's day.