The Celtic Roots of the Novartis Campus

History of Novartis
Celtic roots.

More than 2,000 years before the Novartis Campus became a centre of scientific discovery, this site in Basel was home to a thriving Celtic settlement. 

Archaeological finds from the Basel-Gasfabrik area reveal a community shaped by trade, craftsmanship and exchange — a reminder that curiosity, connection and transformation have long been part of this place’s story. 

For audiences in Ireland, that Celtic thread carries a familiar resonance: Celtic languages, art, storytelling and social traditions have also helped shape Irish identity over many centuries. 

From Basel to Ireland, these shared echoes of Celtic heritage offer a powerful reminder of how cultures, ideas and communities have always travelled, adapted and evolved. As the Novartis Campus developed, the company worked closely with Basel-Stadt’s cantonal archaeological research team, helping enable extensive excavation and documentation of the site. That cooperation supported the recovery of more than a million artefacts, preserving an extraordinary record of this early Celtic community for future study. Today, selected finds from the Basel-Gasfabrik settlement can be explored through Basel-Stadt’s archaeological collections and exhibitions, where they continue to bring this remarkable chapter of the site’s history to life.