Gutenbergplatz (Gutenberg Square), Mainz

Gutenberg Square was named after Johannes Gutenberg and is Mainz's largest square.

Following occupation by Napoleon's French forces, Mainz became the capital of Mont-Tonnerre in 1801. In 1804, Napoleon ordered the construction of a new boulevard and square. The square was planned in an area that was destroyed during the Austro-Prussian siege. However, only one building was built in the new square before the project failed.

Construction on the square re-started in 1819, and building continued through the 1870s. Many buildings were damaged during World War II and have since been restored.

The Gutenberg monument was unveiled in 1837. The bronze sculpture shows Gutenberg carrying a Bible and a printing plate. There are no reliable images of Gutenberg, so he is depicted as a well-dressed, bearded man. Mainz celebrated for three days when the statue was commemorated.

Gutenberg Square is home to the Mainz State Theatre. The Neoclassical building was completed in 1833 and hosts around 500 dance, opera, and drama events each year.

The 50th parallel north that marks the 50 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane runs near the square and is marked with a metal track and bronze lettering.