Mainz, Germany: Top Travel Highlights

Mainz, Germany: Top Travel Highlights

Mainz, the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and an old university city, lies on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River (hence the city's name). Mainz is one of the oldest cities in Europe, dating back to the 1st century, when the Romans built a fortress here.

Mainz is known around the world as the city of Gutenberg, where the first movable metal-type printing press was built. With this important heritage, Mainz remains a center of Germany's oldest publishing houses.

The city also has a rich cultural history and hosts many internationally famous festivals, including the Mainz Carnival (Mainzer Fastnacht). This popular carnival, dating back to the 19th century, draws up to half a million spectators during the winter season.

Mainz Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Martin and St. Stephen (Mainzer Dom) stands majestically in the heart of Mainz. Together with the cathedrals of Speyer and Worms, Mainz Cathedral is ranked among the greatest achievements of Romanesque religious architecture on the Upper Rhine. Construction began in 975 AD, and most of the building dates from the 11th to the 13th centuries.

Highlights of a visit include the chance to see the many tombs and monuments of once-powerful princes and archbishops, as well as centuries-old religious art.

The Cathedral Museum is also worth a visit. Among its fascinating collections are many antiquities and documents about the building's long history (visitors are welcome to join Mass, which is held regularly).

The Gutenberg Museum

On one corner of the Domplatze in Mainz stands the Gutenberg Museum, housed in the beautiful old Zum Romischen Kaiser house dating from 1664. The museum is dedicated to the world of printing and is the largest of its kind in the world. It is named after Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the movable metal-type printing technique that revolutionized printing in the 15th century.

The museum's key collections include printing equipment and printed materials, as well as a copy of the famous Gutenberg Bible. There is also a realistic replica of an original print workshop, where visitors can try hand printing and traditional typesetting. Of particular interest is the collection of publications from small presses. English audio tours are available, and there is a souvenir shop on site.

Marktplatz

The central square of Mainz in front of the cathedral is called the Marktplatz, or market square. Surrounded by beautiful half-timbered and painted buildings, it is one of the loveliest spots in the city.

Strolling through the market here on a Saturday is one of the most popular things to do in Mainz. The square comes alive with stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables and colorful flowers, as well as local products and handicrafts.

A wonderful time to visit is in December, when the square is filled with the bustling Mainz Christmas Market. During the festival, more than 100 booths line the square, and the shopping experience is accompanied by carol singing and other entertainment. On fine days, cafés spread across the plaza with beautiful views of the cathedral.