Mainz is the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and is located at the point where the river Main flows into the Rhine. The city’s history goes back to the Roman foundation of a fort in the first century AD, and the place was the capital of the province of Germania Superior. Mainz later became one of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire, and it continued to be a strong German fortress in the defense of the west.
Mainz was subjected to massive bombardments during World War II and the area’s French administration wanted to rebuild a model city inspired by Le Corbusier’s urban planning, which was only partially realized with the interesting mix of new and old that you can see in the center of Mainz today. A fine example of modern architecture is Arne Jacobsen’s town hall building on the banks of the Rhine, while you can see old Mainz with half-timbered houses in the quarter south of the cathedral.
There are many sights in Mainz, of which the cathedral is one of the most famous. Mainzer Dom was built as a Romanesque church from the year 975, but was later expanded in several styles. For several centuries, the cathedral was Germany’s coronation church. There are also many other fine churches such as Christuskirche and the rococo churches Peterskirche and Augustinerkirche.
Mainz is also known as Gutenberg’s hometown, and you can see one of his original Bibles at the Gutenberg Museum. You can also visit the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, which describes the period up to the Middle Ages, and which is located in the Electors’ old castle in Mainz. From the city’s history, you can also see the towers Alexanderturm, Eisenturm and Holzturm, which are preserved from Mainz’s city walls. And from even earlier times, you can see Roman ruins several places of, for example, an old theater.
The Markt in Mainz is the largest of the squares surrounding the Mainz Cathedral, and has been the city’s central trading square since around 975, when the cathedral was built. In the Middle Ages, the square was divided into different trading areas, with merchants’ stalls for wool, clothing and furs to the south, while the north façade was dominated by bakeries and other small stalls. Agricultural goods early on became an important part of the market, which began with baskets on the ground and later with fixed tables. Street names in the area such as Korbgasse, Seilergasse and Fischergasse still remind us of the old crafts and functions that existed here.
One of the square’s most striking elements is the Marktbrunnen, a Renaissance fountain from 1526, created during the time of Elector Albrecht of Brandenburg. The fountain stands on a pedestal of red sandstone and is richly decorated with reliefs and a later added sculpture of the Madonna. In the 1970s, it was moved back to its original location when the square was converted into a pedestrian area. Another central element is the Heunensäule, a massive sandstone pillar that was originally intended for the cathedral in the 11th century, but which today stands as a symbolic monument and gathering point in the middle of the square.
Around the Markt are a number of historic houses, several of which were destroyed during World War II. In connection with the cathedral’s anniversary in 1975, many facades were rebuilt in Baroque style, so that the square regained its historical character. The north facade in particular with the reconstructed buildings is today a favorite motif and contributes to the characteristic appearance of the square. Together with the cathedral, which forms an impressive backdrop to the south, the buildings create one of the most atmospheric urban spaces in Mainz.
Mainzer Dom is the city’s cathedral, officially called Hoher Dom St. Martin. The great church is one of the most impressive Romanesque cathedrals in Germany, and it was begun around the year 975 under Archbishop Willigis. The original building burned down almost completely on the day of its inauguration in the year 1009, after which it was rebuilt and continuously expanded throughout the Middle Ages. The architecture of the cathedral is therefore a complex interplay of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and later styles, which bear witness to almost 1000 years of building history.
With its massive walls in red sandstone, the characteristic six towers and striking gables, the cathedral dominates the entire city skyline and marks Mainz as one of the most important ecclesiastical and political centers of the Middle Ages. The portals and facades are richly decorated with sculptures and reliefs depicting biblical scenes and historical figures, emphasizing the church building’s historical role as a symbol of both religious and secular power.
Inside, the cathedral impresses with its three-nave basilica, where the high altar is located in the eastern apse, while a western altar creates the double choir structure that is a distinctive feature of Mainz Cathedral. The side chapels, decorated with epitaphs, sculptures and frescoes, reflect the wealth of the diocese and the power of the archbishop over the centuries. In the Baroque era, the architects Johann Valentin Thomann and Balthasar Neumann added colorful ornaments, frescoes and decorations, which contrast with the stricter Romanesque forms and create a dynamic overall experience. There is also a crypt under the cathedral, which houses several archbishops and prince-electors.
There are many beautiful details in the church’s decoration that you can enjoy during a visit. The rich decoration with stained glass mosaics, frescoes and sculptures dates from different periods, and the decorations illustrate both religious themes and events from the city’s history. Many of the side chapels bear the hallmarks of Renaissance and Baroque art, while some of the original Romanesque elements can still be seen in the apse and vaults.
The history of Mainz Cathedral is closely linked to the development of the Holy Roman Empire, as in the Middle Ages Mainz was the seat of the empire’s second most important archbishop and elector, who served as chancellor. The church has survived sieges, fires and destruction over the centuries, including heavy damage during World War II, and in the 1950s and 1960s extensive restorations were carried out, so that the cathedral today still appears in the splendor of previous centuries.
Liebfrauenplatz is one of the squares surrounding the Mainz Cathedral. It was given its current form in the early 19th century when the medieval Liebfrauenkirche was demolished. The square serves as a transition between the cathedral and the Rhine, close to the former city gate, the Fischtor.
The square offers a vibrant mix of historical architecture and modern city life. To the west stands the mighty Mainz Cathedral, but the Haus zum Römischen Kaiser building is located on the northeast side. The Haus zum Römischen Kaiser is a magnificent late Renaissance palace, and a little to the southwest of here is the classicist facade of the former Preußische Hauptwache, which was built in 1829 as a guardhouse for the Prussian garrison. The facade has been preserved and is now integrated into the modern Haus am Dom building. The square also features the Nagelsäule, a column from 1916 that is a powerful monument to World War I.
The Mainzer Rathaus is one of the most striking examples of brutalist architecture in Germany. It was built between 1970 and 1973 to a design by the Danish architectural firm Arne Jacobsen & Otto Weitling, who were also behind several internationally recognized projects. The raw concrete, the strict geometric shapes and the almost fortress-like appearance give the town hall a monumental character, which in the context of the 1970s was seen as a modernist contrast to the historic city center. The location on the banks of the Rhine was a conscious choice, as the building should appear open to the river and function as a symbol of the modern Mainz that was rising after the extensive destruction of World War II.
Inside, the town hall is characterized by functionality and clean lines, which is typical of Jacobsen’s design philosophy. Large glass sections facing the Rhine give the building light and transparency, while raw concrete walls and simple floor surfaces emphasize the minimalist style. The town hall hall and the associated meeting rooms are equipped with specially designed furniture and lamps that Jacobsen and Weitling created specifically for the building, and which are now considered design classics. The architecture is thus not only an external frame, but also a holistic solution, where the building’s functions, furniture and aesthetics are carefully coordinated.
The building was listed in 2018 as a unique example of post-war architecture, but has since been the subject of debate. Many citizens perceive it as unapproachable and cold, while others see it as an important architectural monument that documents the urbanistic trends of the 1970s.
Christuskirche was built between 1896 and 1903 as a Protestant church in a Mainz that was otherwise historically dominated by Catholicism. The architect Eduard Kreyßig, who was also behind the Kaiserstraße boulevard, chose a monumental neo-Renaissance style that drew inspiration from Italian cathedrals and the Roman architectural tradition. The church’s mighty dome is 80 meters high and visible from afar, and it was a counterpart to Mainz Cathedral and strategically placed to emphasize the growing role of the Protestant community in the city.
The architecture is characterized by the representative building style of the Wilhelminian era. The church was built of sandstone, and the central dome rests on four strong pillars and creates impressive acoustics, which makes the church particularly suitable for concerts. The organ in the church is one of the largest in Rhineland-Palatinate. The church was almost completely destroyed during the bombings of 1945, but its ruins stood as an important symbol of the city’s Protestant community. As early as 1952–1954, the Christuskirche was rebuilt with respect for Kreyßig’s original vision.
The Peterskirche, built between 1749 and 1756, is one of the most lavish examples of Rococo architecture in the Rhineland. Construction was initiated by Archbishop Johann Friedrich Karl von Ostein and replaced an older Romanesque predecessor. The architect was the master Johann Valentin Thomann, who was inspired by the South German Baroque tradition. The facade was built in sandstone and is dominated by two twin towers, which create an impressive building volume in the middle of the old town.
The interior is characterized by lavish decorations, frescoes and a complete Rococo idiom. The ceiling frescoes depicting the life of the apostle Peter were created by the painter Karl Manninger, while the high altar and side altars combine sculptural splendor with religious symbolism. The pulpit by Johannes Förster and the rich use of marble and gilding emphasize the overall impression of pomp and artistic refinement. Peterskirche was seen at the time as a counterpart to the Jesuit Augustinian Church and an expression of the elector’s desire to manifest the splendor of the church and the city.
The church was badly damaged during the air raids of 1944 and 1945, when the south tower collapsed and large parts of the interior were lost. After the war, a gradual reconstruction began, which was not completed until 1989. Many of the frescoes were repainted from historical photographs, while the furnishings were restored or reacquired. Today, Peterskirche once again stands as one of the most beautiful Rococo churches in Germany and is used for services, concerts and cultural events.
The Augustinian Church in Mainz was built between 1768 and 1771 on the site of a former monastery from the Middle Ages. The construction was led by the architect Johann Baptist Lacher and marked the peak of Baroque architecture in the city. The outer facade was built of red sandstone and is characterized by powerful pilasters, curved gables and a monumental portal bearing the coat of arms of the Augustinian Order. Although the facade is strictly Baroque, the interior reveals a clear Rococo touch, making the church a transitional building between the two styles.
Inside, the Augustinerkirche impresses with a bright and lavishly decorated church space. The main nave is vaulted with frescoes painted by Johann Baptist Enderle, depicting scenes from the Magnificat and praising the Mother of God. The walls and columns are decorated with stucco and marbling in light shades, giving the space an almost theatrical effect. The organ was built by the famous Stumm organ builder family in 1773 and is one of the most valuable instruments in the Rhineland. The organ is still used for concerts. Among the oldest works of art in the church is a Gothic statue of the Madonna from around 1420, which originated from the predecessor church.
The church survived the bombings of World War II without suffering the same damage as many of the city’s other churches, meaning that its original interior has been preserved to a rare degree. Today, the Augustinerkirche serves as the parish church for the Catholic community in Mainz’s old town, but it is also known as a concert and cultural church. It combines historic architecture with living use, and visitors are attracted by both its art-historical significance and its special atmosphere.
The Gutenberg Museum was founded in 1900 to mark the 500th anniversary of the birth of Johannes Gutenberg. The museum is dedicated to the history of printing and has developed into one of the world’s leading museums of writing and printing throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The original collection primarily included early prints and works related to Gutenberg’s life, but has since been expanded to span four millennia of writing culture from Babylonian cuneiform tablets to modern book design.
There is much to see at the museum, and among the most famous objects are two of the surviving Gutenberg Bibles, which were printed around 1454–1455, as well as reconstructions of Gutenberg’s workshop. These reconstructions allow visitors to follow the process of hand-setting, printing and bookbinding, making the museum an exciting place of learning for visitors.
The Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum or RGZM was founded in 1852 as a research institute and museum for archaeology focusing on Roman and Germanic antiquity. The initiative came from Grand Duke Ludwig III of Hesse, and the museum quickly became an important institution for archaeological research throughout Europe. In its early years, the museum housed a growing collection of finds from the Rhineland and other parts of Germany, and it quickly developed into a reference point for the study of antiquity. The location chosen – in the Electoral Palace in Mainz – underlined the museum’s status as a national cultural project in the 19th century.
The collections range from Stone Age tools and bronze jewellery to Roman sculptures, mosaics and Germanic grave goods. Among the most significant objects are weapons and tools from Roman legionaries, ceramics and household utensils from the earliest Germanic settlements, as well as a number of unique art objects from late antiquity. The museum’s workshops also specialize in reconstructions and experimental archaeology, which means that they not only exhibit finds, but also actively work to recreate old techniques and crafts. This makes the RGZM a particularly dynamic museum, where research and communication go hand in hand.
In 2023, the RGZM moved to a new museum building on Neutorstraße in Mainz, marking a new chapter in the institution’s history. The new building offers over 9,000 m² of exhibition space and combines interactive exhibitions with classic presentation forms. Here, you can experience thematic exhibitions on Roman daily life, trade and the military, as well as special exhibitions presenting the latest archaeological research.
The Ruine und Gedenkstätte St. Christoph are the remaining remains of the church of St. Christoph, which was built around 1240–1330 in the early Gothic style. For centuries it served as the parish church of one of the most important congregations in the Altstadt and was also known as the baptistery of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. The church’s architecture was characterized by a three-aisled basilica with a high choir and a striking west tower, making it a landmark in the city’s medieval skyline.
The church was almost completely destroyed during the bombings of 1942 and 1945, with only the outer walls and the tower remaining. Instead of a full reconstruction, the decision was made after the war to preserve the ruin as a memorial to the devastation that befell Mainz during World War II. Today, only the walls remain as an open church ruin, where the Gothic window openings and the masonry still give an impression of the building’s original dimensions.
Within the walls is a memorial with a bronze plaque and a glass mosaic by the artist Alois Plum, commemorating both the victims of the war and Gutenberg’s legacy. The floor bears the names of the many civilians who lost their lives during the air raids. St. Christoph therefore no longer functions as a church in the traditional sense, but as a place of peace and remembrance, where history, faith and remembrance come together.
The Alexanderturm in Mainz is one of the lesser-known but oldest preserved buildings in the city. The tower dates back to the 16th century, but was built on foundations dating back to Roman times. As early as the 4th century, the Romans built a city wall with towers along the Rhine to protect the strategically important city of Mogontiacum. The Alexanderturm is part of this long tradition of city fortification, although its current form is characterized by late medieval and Renaissance features.
The building’s name is believed to be derived from a nearby church that was located close to the tower in the Middle Ages. The tower had several functions. It served partly as part of the city wall, partly as a watchtower and partly as an observation tower. Architecturally, it is a simple construction with narrow window openings and thick walls, emphasizing the military function of the building.
Eisenturm was built around 1200 and is one of the most striking medieval towers in Mainz. The tower was built as part of the city’s defensive wall and originally served as a gate tower on the important road leading to the Rhine crossing. Its name means Iron Tower and can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was used for storage and trade in iron goods, but also for collecting customs duties at the city gates.
With its mighty sandstone walls and storey structure, Eisenturm stands out as a classic example of late Romanesque military architecture. Architecturally, it combines a square ground plan with a tall, slender tower. The entrance portal is adorned with lions in relief as symbols of both secular and ecclesiastical power. During the 15th century, the tower was raised and given a more Gothic character with pointed arched windows. Inside, it was arranged with several floors that could be used for defense, storage and later as a prison.
The Holzturm in Mainz was built in 1419 as part of the medieval city wall and originally served as a guard and gate tower. The name, which means Wooden Tower, probably comes from the fact that there was an area by the gate where firewood and wooden goods were traded, which were brought into the city from the Rhine. The tower marked the southern entrance to the city, and as part of the ring wall it was an important piece of the fortification that made Mainz one of the most strongly secured cities along the Rhine in the Middle Ages.
Architecturally, the Holzturm is a tall, slender Gothic sandstone tower, characterized by pointed arched windows and a steep roof. It is equipped with corner towers and crenellations, which served both decorative and military purposes. Compared to the nearby Eisenturm, the Holzturm appears more elegant, reflecting the late medieval development from Romanesque to Gothic style. Inside, the tower was divided into several floors, which could be used both for guards and for storage.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Holzturm was used as a prison, and among the most famous prisoners was the famous robber leader Schinderhannes, who was imprisoned here in the early 19th century before being executed in Mainz. During World War II, the tower, like much of Mainz, was badly damaged, but it was restored in the 1960s. Today, the Holzturm houses offices and stands as a landmark of Mainz’s medieval history, along with the Eisenturm and the Alexanderturm.
The Electoral Palace in Mainz was built from the beginning of the 17th century as the residence of the electors, who were also archbishops and thus among the most powerful princes in the Holy Roman Empire. Construction began under Elector Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg and is one of the most distinguished Renaissance palaces in Germany. Its location directly on the Rhine made the palace a symbol of Mainz’s strategic and political importance.
Architecturally, the palace is characterized by a strictly symmetrical facade in red sandstone, which was typical of the Renaissance in the Rhineland. The long wing facing the Rhine is flanked by side wings, which give the complex a monumental character, and the richly decorated exterior testifies to the representative standard of the electors. Inside, there were large halls for parties and ceremonies, private rooms and administrative offices. The large Red Hall became known as a center for celebrations and diplomatic meetings.
After French occupation and secularization in the late 18th century, the castle lost its original function. During World War II, it was severely damaged, but later rebuilt. Today, it houses various administrations, exhibition and event rooms, among other things. It is also a central location during the famous Mainzer Fastnacht, where carnival parties take place in the large halls.
The Staatstheater Mainz was founded in 1833 and has since been one of the most important cultural institutions in Rhineland-Palatinate. The city’s growing bourgeoisie in the 19th century wanted a modern theater house, and the construction resulted in a classicist building on Gutenbergplatz close to the city’s cathedral. The theater quickly became a platform for opera, theater and later also ballet, and it reflected Mainz’s ambition to establish itself as a cultural bastion in western Germany.
The building was expanded and modernized several times. The original facade was characterized by classicist columns and strict symmetry, but after destruction during World War II, the theater was rebuilt in a mix of classic and modern forms. The large house today houses two stages. There is a main stage with space for over 1,000 spectators and a smaller experimental stage, where modern and avant-garde productions take place.
The Römisches Theater in Mainz is one of the largest ancient theaters north of the Alps, and it bears witness to the city’s role as the Roman legionary camp Mogontiacum. The theater was built in the 1st century AD at the foot of the citadel hill, which was close to the legionary camp. With space for an estimated 10,000–12,000 spectators, it was used for gladiatorial fights, theater performances and imperial celebrations, among other things.
Architecturally, the theater was integrated into the landscape, with the stands built into the slope. The semicircular seating was divided into sections that separated soldiers, officials and citizens. Behind the stage was a monumental stage wall, decorated with columns and statues. Found inscriptions and remains of marble ornaments indicate that the theater was decorated much more lavishly than the ruins reveal today.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the theater was gradually abandoned, and in the Middle Ages it was used as a quarry. For many centuries it lay hidden under the ground and buildings until it was rediscovered and excavated in the 20th century. Today, the remains can be seen directly at the Römisches Theater station on the Mainz railway network.
Founded in 1913, the Naturhistorisches Museum Mainz is one of the most important natural history museums in Rhineland-Palatinate. The museum has been collecting objects from the fields of geology, paleontology, zoology and botany for more than a century and functions as both a research institution and a place of communication. It houses, among other things, fossils from the region, rare mineral collections and extensive zoological specimens that illustrate the biodiversity of the Rhineland.
The building, which was originally designed in the early 20th century classicist style, has been modernized over the years with new exhibition halls. The central exhibition hall is spacious and flexible, making it possible to organize both permanent and temporary exhibitions of various kinds.
The Heilig-Geist-Spital in Mainz is one of the city’s oldest and most striking medieval buildings. It was built in the first half of the 13th century and served as a hospital and hostel for pilgrims and travelers, which was an important function in the large trading and church city of Mainz. The building is also one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Germany, and therefore provides an insight into medieval urban culture.
Architecturally, the Heilig-Geist-Spital is in the late Romanesque style, characterized by thick walls, round-arched windows and an impressive hall structure. The large hall, where patients and travelers were accommodated, has a high vaulted ceiling supported by columns, which creates an almost church-like atmosphere. The facade is characterized by a distinctive gable section with pointed arches and beautiful window openings, but not everything is original, as the building has been rebuilt and adapted several times. Its medieval core is still evident.
Frankfurt is a fascinating city and a meeting between new and old. It has always been one of Germany’s richest city and a city with great political influence in Germany. It has been a locomotive of German economy and development for centuries as well, and there are so many things to see in both old and modern Frankfurt with all the high-rise office towers.
With its airport and large fairs, Frankfurt is a hub and meeting place for all of Europe and much of the world, and the international atmosphere of the modern city with its many fine museums and cultural offerings makes visiting here very exciting and with sights in and around the city center.
Wiesbaden is the capital of the state of Hesse and, after Frankfurt, it is the state’s largest city. Wiesbaden is also an ancient city, founded by the Romans in AD 6. Beautifully situated between the Rhine river and the Taunus Mountains, the city is famous for its hot springs, which the Romans used extensively and which can still be enjoyed in several places today.
There are many sights in Wiesbaden, and you can start at Schloßplatz, which is surrounded by interesting buildings. The neoclassical city castle from the first half of the 19th century is today used as Hesse’s state house. The castle complex also includes the Kavaliershaus and the Wilhelmsbau next to the castle. Wiesbaden’s Old Town Hall and New Town Hall from 1887 and the Protestant Marktkirche are opposite the castle and are all worth seeing as well.
Mannheim is a city in the state of Baden-Württemberg in southwestern Germany. It is strategically located at the point where the river Neckar flows into the Rhine. Mannheim was founded by Friedrich IV in 1606, and the following year it formally became a city. Industrialization developed the city significantly from the 19th century, with not least the port of Mannheim, which is today one of Europe’s largest river ports.
The center of Mannheim consists of right-angled streets surrounded by a semi-circular ring road, and the urban plan is unique in Germany. Mannheim’s nickname is Quadratestadt, and when you take a walk in the city, you quickly find out why. Instead of street names, the city center is divided into blocks named from A1 to U6. As a result, it is somewhat different to read street signs here than elsewhere.
Koblenz is a city located in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate at the point where the river Mosel flows into the Rhine. The city’s history goes back to the years before the birth of Christ, when the Romans founded a military settlement in the strategically good place. Koblenz’s name comes from the Latin name confluentes, meaning confluence, which alludes to the two great rivers.
The most famous place in Koblenz is the Deutsches Eck, which is the place where the Mosel flows into the Rhine. Deutsches Eck is a large square where you can go all the way to the rivers and enjoy the beautiful scenery that is here. In the square you can see Koblenz’s famous equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. The statue was erected in 1897 as a monument to the emperor’s role in the German unification in 1871.
Mainz, Germany
Overview of Mainz
Mainz is the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and is located at the point where the river Main flows into the Rhine. The city’s history goes back to the Roman foundation of a fort in the first century AD, and the place was the capital of the province of Germania Superior. Mainz later became one of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire, and it continued to be a strong German fortress in the defense of the west.
Mainz was subjected to massive bombardments during World War II and the area’s French administration wanted to rebuild a model city inspired by Le Corbusier’s urban planning, which was only partially realized with the interesting mix of new and old that you can see in the center of Mainz today. A fine example of modern architecture is Arne Jacobsen’s town hall building on the banks of the Rhine, while you can see old Mainz with half-timbered houses in the quarter south of the cathedral.
There are many sights in Mainz, of which the cathedral is one of the most famous. Mainzer Dom was built as a Romanesque church from the year 975, but was later expanded in several styles. For several centuries, the cathedral was Germany’s coronation church. There are also many other fine churches such as Christuskirche and the rococo churches Peterskirche and Augustinerkirche.
About the Mainz travel guide
Contents: Tours in the city + tours in the surrounding area
Published: Released soon
Author: Stig Albeck
Publisher: Vamados.com
Language: English
About the travel guide
The Mainz travel guide gives you an overview of the sights and activities of the German city. Read about top sights and other sights, and get a tour guide with tour suggestions and detailed descriptions of all the city’s most important churches, monuments, mansions, museums, etc.
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