Mainz

Travel times from Wiesbaden:
Train – 15 mins.
Car – 15 mins.

“In the Beginning was the Word” –says the Gutenberg Bible, the first printed book in the world. Mainz’s own Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press and letters made with a casting device some 550 years ago, revolutionizing mankind’s life, thought and work. You can experience 4,000 years of writing from all over the world at the Gutenberg Museum, where the “Man of the Millennium’s” workshop has been reconstructed. With a large number of printing implements, old presses and typesetting machines, the history of letterpress printing comes to life. The main focus of the permanent exhibition is a collection of important printed works from the l5th century to the present. The highlights are two copies of the world-famous 42-line Gutenberg Bible on display in the strong-room, as well as a letter of indulgence and the "Fragment of the Last Judgment" from Gutenberg's workshop.

Beyond learning about the invention that made the spread of literature possible, Mainz has many other attractions. Its most popular area for a stroll is Augustiner Street, the city’s main business thoroughfare until the 17th century. Surrounded by boutiques, cafes, pubs, and residential buildings, the magnificent façade of the towering Augustiner Church stands out. The 18th century church survived WWII undamaged, unlike many of the city’s other churches. Venture inside to explore the impressive gilded interior in its original state, including ceiling frescoes depicting the life of St. Augustine and the history of the order which had its home on Augustiner Street since the 13th Century.

Mainz’s Marktplatz (Market Place) is a hub of city life. It is bordered by market houses that were reconstructed after WWII and by the Cathedral complex. The Cathedral is still almost completely enclosed by surrounding buildings that grew up over the centuries, creating a red-tinted sandstone "mountain" of a cathedral. Many of the out-buildings were constructed in the Baroque period and survived the War nearly unscathed.

Also in the Marktplatz is the spectacular Renaissance fountain known as the Marktbrunnen, installed in 1526 but situated atop a well dating to Roman times. Its cheerful design, covered in putti and topped by a Virgin and Child statue, lends bright color to the area around the Cathedral. Another quaint gathering area graced by a beautiful fountain is the “Kirschgarten” (Cherry Orchard).  No cherry trees remain, but the half-timbered houses that surround the square lend it a charming air. The Marian Fountain at its center has ornate Baroque style, but was surprisingly built in the 20th century.

The Prince-Elector Palace was built from 1729-1740 for Franz Ludwig von Pfalz-Neuburg, Prince Elector and Archbishop of Mainz, in a style heavily influenced by French Baroque architecture. Franz Ludwig never had the pleasure of living in the palace, though, as he died during its construction. The site he chose for the palace was in close vicinity to his residence, the Electoral Palace. This means that you won’t have far to walk from the Baroque Prince-Elector Palace to one of the most important buildings of the Renaissance era in Germany.

The Electoral Palace’s east wing is one of the last examples of German Renaissance architecture, a regal building of red sandstone with turrets at each corner and beautiful detailing around the windows. It now houses the renowned Romano-Germanic Central Museum, an interesting showcase of Roman, Medieval, and earlier artifacts.