Christ Church (Christuskirche), Mainz

The Christ Church (Christuskirche) in Mainz is a prominent Protestant landmark with a rich history. Constructed between 1896 and 1903, the church was designed by Eduard Kreyßig, a master builder of Mainz, in a Renaissance Revival style. It was consecrated on July 2, 1903. Initially, Protestant residents in Mainz were a small minority, tolerated but restricted in their rights. It wasn't until Napoleon Bonaparte granted them religious freedom and expanded their civil rights that their community grew significantly. By 1900, Protestants made up 33% of the population in Mainz.

With the city's expansion into the Mainz-Neustadt area at the end of the 19th century, the Protestant community sought to assert its presence by constructing a new church, intended to rival the Catholic Mainz Cathedral. The Christ Church, with its imposing dome towering over the city, became a symbol of Protestant confidence.

After suffering destruction during World War II, the church was rebuilt between 1952 and 1954. Today, it serves not only as a place of worship but also as a venue for musical events, including performances by the Bach Choir and Bach Orchestra, founded by Diethard Hellmann in 1954. The church also hosts gospel music performances, such as the annual Colours of Gospel event, and the opening mass for the University of Mainz at the beginning of each academic term.