Kirschgarten (Cherry Orchard), Mainz (must see)

The Cherry Orchard in Mainz is one of the city’s most picturesque squares, rich with history and architectural charm. This square is lined with three-and-a-half-story half-timbered houses, some dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries. Originally part of the Nova Civitas urban expansion in the 13th and 14th centuries, the square has a long-standing presence in Mainz’s old town. The name “Kirschgarten” (Cherry Orchard) stems from the “Kirschborn” spring, which once rose near the old Rochus Hospital.

The Cherry Orchard features a unique combination of traditional Mainz architecture and cultural heritage. The square is a hub of narrow alleys, including the notable “Weihergarten,” which connects the half-timbered houses. The space once belonged to the immunity of the Mainz Cathedral Chapter, and by the 16th century, it had become a center for the book trade, housing a printing press established by Friedrich Heumann.

At the heart of the Cherry Orchard stands the Cherry Orchard Fountain, also called the Madonna Fountain, donated by the Mainz Beautification Association in 1932. Crafted from red sandstone, this fountain replaced an older iron one. The fountain is crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary, a replica of the Harxheim Madonna, created by sculptor Jean Sauer. At the base of the fountain, a relief by Carl Moritz Hoffmann depicts the Blasius Chapel, which once stood at the entrance to the square until 1803.

Visitors can admire the well-preserved facades of the houses and search for historical inscriptions on the buildings. The Cherry Orchard remains a beautiful reminder of Mainz’s medieval history, offering both locals and tourists a glimpse into the city’s past.