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Travel Guide Mainz

What is Mainz known for? Well, many things! However, Gutenberg, the most known of Strasbourg’s residents, was Johannes Gutenberg who invented the printing press with movable type in this very city in 1440. Yet, Gutenberg’s groundbreaking invention is only one of the most significant episodes in the chronicle of the city. Mainz was built by the Romans initially, and they used to live here until about 451 CE. In the year 1118, the city of Mainz was given the rights to self-administration.

Through the time, the city had been occupied by the Romans, the French, the Swedes, the Prussians and is now a part of present-day Germany. And just like many other German towns, Mainz was almost completely destroyed after the bombing raids and then a fast reconstruction took place. Presently Mainz is a great media center, as well as the wine capital of Germany.

The Best Things to Do in Mainz, Germany

Mainz is an exciting place to visit for all the tourists. If you are searching for the best things to do in Mainz, here is a list below:

St. Martin’s Cathedral (Dom St. Martin)

The Mainz Cathedral was constructed between 975 and 1009 CE. It can’t be a secret to you that this ancient church has been damaged and rebuilt several times over the past couple of centuries. The Mainz Cathedral was a big deal in the Middle Ages. The Archbishop of Mainz possessed the exclusive right to crown German rulers, and six rulers were crowned in this very place.

The Late Gothic cloisters and the massive tombs of the archbishops, most notably, are prominent elements of the cathedral. The cathedral’s interior didn’t impress me as much as the exterior, but nevertheless it’s still one of Maine’s top attractions.

Main Square (Markt)

Whether you are spending one day or more in Mainz, you are definitely going to come across (main square) in the city center during your travels. The Markt, in front of the cathedral, is picture-perfect. A market is held here three times per week (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7am to 2pm). You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see an abundant supply of fruits, breads and meats, so don’t forget your wallet to top it up. Bavarian village markets are an absolute experience for your senses, so don’t miss this chance!

Gutenberg Museum

Bookworms won’t want to miss the Book Fair in Mainz! This small museum will lead you through the history of books and printing, particularly on Johannes Gutenberg and his achievement. The climax of the museum is the two original Gutenberg bibles that are locked inside a gigantic safe and protected by a security guard. The museum is primarily a collection of old books, manuscripts, and printing presses — all of them beautiful to look at, but the text to go with it was very boring and as it was in German language too. Still today, the Gutenberg Bible…they are art from all perspectives!

Old Town (Altstadt)

There are 48 Gutenberg Bibles left on Earth, so, no doubt, get enough time for studying the two copies in the Gutenberg Museum. You are almost certainly not going to see any others for a while!

 

The Old Town without doubt is one of the BEST things to see in Mainz, Germany. The Mainz Altstadt is quite a shame because it is tiny — just one street with a small square — but it is one of the prettiest Old Towns. If you are enthusiasts for the half-timbered houses, Mainz will be your preferred city.

St. Stephan’s Church

Church is situated on the hill with the iron lamppost in the front yard. The courtyard may not have the most breathtaking views but they are still aesthetically pleasing and on that snowy day it felt like I was walking into Narnia as I neared the lamppost. The interior of St. Stephan’s is not breathtaking- except for one thing. The church has blue stained-glass windows all along it! They are the work of Jewish artist in the year 1970s. His intention was to depict this relationship of Jewish-Christian bond, and no doubt, this is the best part of St. Stephan’s.

Christmas Market

Sitting in front of the cathedral, the Mainz Christmas market operates from the end of November through December. The quality of merchandise here is excellent, and the ambiance was one of my best holiday trips.

Stroll the Rhine Promenade (Adenauer-Ufer)

The city of Mainz has built an Adenauer-Ufer (riverbank promenade) running from Mainz Neustadt to the Fischtorplatz in the old part of town. As well as the entrance gates that were part of the city’s fortifications in the 1800s, the leafy avenue is decorated with various sculptures, lawns and benches where you can sit and relax. It is here you’ll see a couple of lovers walking hand in hand, a number of young people relaxing in the beer gardens, and people either cycling, running or enjoying the sunshine on the Frauenlob Fountain.

Taste the World’s Best Riesling Wines

Mainz has a long-established wine culture. It was, in fact, one of the earliest Roman settlements, where the Romans were known to introduce wine to this region. The region is responsible for production of some of the best white wines of Germany, particularly those of Riesling grapes, which are produced due to the region’s unique geographical and soil features. As for the wine taverns (vinotekas) of Mainz, the possibilities are limitless. While a bone-dry Riesling is the most popular wine in the area, sweet white wines, such as Niersteiner Domtal, Liebfraumilch and Scheurebe, are also worth trying.

Is Mainz, Germany Worth Visiting?

A considerable number of museums, churches, and attractions (along with wine bars, wine cellars, and beer gardens) are in Mainz, that could keep you entertained for a week. On the other hand, if your river cruise takes you to Mainz and you only have one day in there, you will surely have enough time to see the main attractions of this old city. Exploring the city center can be done on your own, but alternatively you can book a guided tour to ensure you see everything. Be it summer or winter, the first thing to do while in Mainz is to collect a map from the tourist information office located at the Market Square.

Other Things to do:

  • (Art Hall) — rotating shows of contemporary art.
  • (Landesmuseum Mainz) – One of the oldest museums in Germany where the collection of art was donated by Napoleon in 1803.
  • (Naturhistorisches Museum Mainz) — Collection of animals and fossils.

Day Trips from Mainz, Germany

If you are going to stay in Mainz more than one day, then, of course, you’ll have time for a trip or two! Mainz is not a big city, so you will need a day or a day and a half to cover the main sights.

  • Mannheim — The highlight of the trip is the palace built in the Baroque style. Only one wing is currently open to the public, nevertheless it is a beautiful structure. The other part of the city is quite industrial.
  • A ruined castle on a hill, the longest pedestrian place in Germany, and a picture-perfect Old Town. The place not to miss while you’re there!
  • Frankfurt am Main — The only skyscraper city in Germany. It is much more modern than other cities of Germany and has its own outstanding image.
  • A political hot spot to this day and a former capital of West Germany. There are some things to do and see in Bonn, but a day trip will give you the main taste of the city.

Tips for Cafes and Restaurants

Here are some good cafes and restaurants to try:

WILMAS WUNDER

The Wilma Wunder project has now spread to German cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf. Different from other chains, every branch is furnished in its own, unique style and surprises with beautiful details. In Mainz you can have your coffee served to you right at the market place or on the balcony with a view over it. Besides the snacks, we have also a great offer for lunch & dinner, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

CAFÉ ANNABATTERIE

The most beautiful café you may find on the square might be called Annabatterie as it was given an award! In Germany, Annabatterie café was honored as one of the 141 favorite restaurants. Besides the great coffee, you will also find great cakes and tarts here that many people in Mainz prefer to take them home. What should I say? Yes, because, as a rule, the chairs in Mainz are always crowded.

Tips for the Sunset

The Rhine promenade, also known as the Adenauer Ufer, stretches from the Zollhafen to the Old Town and is an ideal spot for an evening walk. In the Mainz beach located, this was the most beautiful one we found since it exudes a real holiday feeling with palm trees and the finest sandy beach. By the way: If you cross the bridge to Mainz Kastel, which is an official part of Wiesbaden, you can unwind on the Kasteler beach and bask in the evening sun.

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