Mainz Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Mainz

The Mainz Cathedral, a towering symbol of Christianity's long-standing presence in Mainz, traces its roots back to 746 when Saint Boniface introduced Christianity to the region. Archbishop Willigis, inspired by Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, ordered the construction of the cathedral, which was unfortunately ravaged by fire on the very day of its consecration in 1009. Despite the damage, the cathedral was repaired by 1036, and over time, it has evolved into a blend of styles that reflect centuries of architectural and historical changes.

The original Romanesque style is still visible in the cathedral’s triple-nave basilica and its bronze door facing the square. Over the years, additional chapels and structures have been added, each showcasing the design trends of their respective eras. One of the more notable additions is Saint Gotthard’s Chapel, built in 1137, which stands out with its lighter stone.

Fire has been a recurring adversary for Mainz Cathedral, striking seven times throughout its history. To prevent further damage, the spire was reconstructed from stone in 1767. The east chancel, the oldest part of the cathedral, features walls over two meters thick, providing a glimpse into its early construction. The Romanesque west chancel, dating to 1239, was later enhanced by a Gothic belfry in the 15th century.

Mainz Cathedral also holds historical significance as a site of royal coronations in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries. The Diet of Pentecost, one of the most legendary medieval feasts, was held here. Despite enduring heavy damage during attacks by French and Prussian troops in the late 18th century, as well as during World War II, the cathedral has been meticulously restored over the years. Its foundations were reinforced in the early 20th century after the Rhine River’s correction caused structural issues.

Inside, the cathedral remains a treasure trove of art and history. The Ketteler Chapel is home to an altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary, along with the serene statue of the "Serene Lady of Mainz," a wood-carved figure dating back to 1510. The cathedral also houses the tombs of its bishops and boasts a cherished portrait gallery of ecclesiastical dignitaries.

Today, Mainz Cathedral stands not only as a religious site but also as a testament to the city's resilience and rich history. It continues to be a focal point of Mainz, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its architecture, art, and historical significance.

The Gutenberg Museum is dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, one of Mainz's most famous residents. Gutenberg is known as the "Man of the Millenium" for creating a printing press with movable metal type. Gutenberg's printing press revolutionized the world. The museum also exhibits international printing presses and scripts.

Audio guides are available in English, French, and German, and guided tours are available. Guests can start their visit by watching a short film about Gutenberg's life and work.

The Gutenberg Museum has two priceless copies of the famous original 42-line Gutenberg Bible, printed around 1450. In addition, visitors can see a recreation of Gutenberg's workshop, including a demonstration of how a 15th-century printing press operated.

Additional exhibits include printing presses, typesetting machines, and examples of European book culture from the last 500 years.

Gutenberg Museum houses one of the most impressive bookplate collections in the world. An exhibit displays bookplates from notable figures such as Charles Dickens, Albert Einstein, Charles Lindbergh, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The Gutenberg Museum has displays focusing on international printing. One exhibit traces printing in East Asia to the 8th century and another displays Islamic scripts. Additional exhibits show bookbinding, press printing techniques, and paper and color manufacturing.

The museum has exhibits on five floors, including the wonderful gift shop. Visit the education workshop to try your hand at typesetting and printing. Staff members are available to help you get set up.

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.

Augustinian hermits built the current Saint Augustine's Church between 1768 and 1771. It was built on the grounds of a Gothic church that the Augustinian hermits built in 1260. The church was built as a monastery but became a seminary in 1805. The complex has former convent buildings, which were completed in 1753.

Saint Augustine's Church has a vibrant Baroque-style facade. The portal has statues depicting the coronation of Mary, Queen of Heaven along with Augustine of Hippo and Monica of Hippo.

The church's interior is ornately decorated and features Rococo style. The church has a combined nave and choir, which is typical for Rococo-style churches. The large altars and magnificent ceiling paintings create a grand impression.

Between the south altars, visitors will see a wood sculpture dating to 1420. The sculpture shows Mary with Jesus as a child, smiling and laughing. The high altar depicts God the Father tearing up Mankind's Book of Sins.

Johann Philipp Stumm manufactured the majestic 1773 Baroque pipe organ, which is one of the few surviving organs crafted by the acclaimed Stumm family.

Saint Augustine's Church was one of the few churches in Mainz that wasn't heavily damaged by World War II bombs.

The Wood Tower (Holzturm) in Mainz is one of the remaining medieval structures that once formed part of the city’s fortifications, alongside the Iron and Alexander Towers. Originally constructed in the first half of the 15th century, the tower's Gothic design reflects the architectural style of the period, with its slender proportions emphasizing verticality, typical of the Gothic aesthetic.

The Wood Tower derives its name from the wood market historically held outside its gate and the wood transported down the Rhine River from southern Germany, which was stored on the nearby riverbanks. Initially serving as a watchtower and gate tower, the structure later functioned as a gaol during the late medieval and early modern periods. Among its most infamous prisoners was Johannes Bückler, also known as "Schinderhannes," a notorious bandit who, along with his gang, was held here for over 15 months before being executed in 1803.

Architecturally, the six-story tower is constructed from crushed stone, reinforced with square quoins, and divided by two prominent cornices. It features a steeply pitched hipped roof, a ribbed vault ceiling, and pointed-arch windows typical of Gothic design. Decorative elements include busts of couples—a burgher and his wife, as well as a king and queen—above the windows on the first floor facing the city.

Although severely damaged during World War II, the Wood Tower was meticulously reconstructed in 1961 as part of Mainz’s 2000th-anniversary celebrations. Today, it serves as a venue for various organizations and clubs.

The Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding features five fourth-century Roman military ships. These ancient shipwrecks were discovered in Mainz in 1981 during construction work on the Hilton Hotel. The ships were buried under seven meters (23 feet) of mud and were in remarkable condition for being buried for 1500 years.

During Roman times, Mainz was an important trading city and a base for the Rhine river fleet. Roman patrol boats would travel the Rhine river and protect the area. These patrols were an important part of the empire's defenses.

The ancient ships were made of German oak. Four ships were troop transporters, and one was a patrol vessel. Most of the museum is barrier-free, which allows visitors to get up close to many of the exhibits.

In addition to the shipwrecks, the museum has two ship replicas that show what a complete Roman military ship looked like. Additional exhibits show the history of shipbuilding, starting from dugouts in the Stone Age and continuing to modern times.

Visitors can watch modern shipbuilders restore ancient ships and create new models in the museum's workshop. The museum also has a fun activity area for kids.

In addition to the exhibits, the museum has a collection of reliefs that depict ships. Items on display include tombstones and coffins from the first and third centuries.

The Citadel was built on Jakobsberg hill in 1660 as part of the Fortress Mainz. Jakobsberg hill was a strategic location, and the Citadel was built to protect the city. The Citadel was constructed on the site of a Benedictine abbey that dated to 1050. The Citadel is one of Germany's few remaining ancient citadels.

Mainz's location on the Rhine and in the center of the Holy Roman Empire made it a vital port and city. Mainz became part of the Grand Duchy of Hesse, which wanted more fortifications for this strategic location. The citadel survived many incursions and occupations. Residents sought shelter in the citadel during World War II.

Today, the Citadel hosts municipal offices and special events. It is a popular location for festivals and concerts such as the Christmas Market and the Citadel Festival. The Open-Ohr youth festival is one of the highlights of the year.

Tours are led by costumed guides who take visitors through the citadel, underground structures, and the moat.

Visitors will find the impressive Drusus stone at the southwest corner of the Citadel. This 20-meter (66-foot) tall Roman monument was erected in 9 AD. The monument honors the Drusus, a popular Roman general.

Saint Stephen's Church in Mainz is a remarkable historical and architectural monument. Originally built in 990 by Archbishop Willigis, who also commissioned the Mainz Cathedral, Saint Stephen’s was envisioned as the "Empire's Place of Prayer." It occupies Mainz's highest hill and was intended as a place of spiritual significance. Willigis himself was buried here in 1011.

The current structure, completed in 1340, is the oldest Gothic hall church along the Upper Rhine. The church’s red sandstone nave, with two side aisles, is a prominent feature of many Mainz buildings. Its 66-meter tower, which has been part of the church since its original construction, is notable for its pointed arch frieze. A dome and lantern were added in 1962 to celebrate Mainz’s 2,000-year anniversary.

Over the centuries, Saint Stephen’s has endured damage from various events. An explosion in 1857 damaged its façade, and World War II bombing caused significant destruction. Yet, the church’s resilience is evident in its restoration and preservation efforts.

One of the most striking elements of Saint Stephen’s Church is its stained glass windows, created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The nine windows, designed between 1978 and 1985, are unique for their vivid blue hues and their portrayal of Christian and Jewish themes, symbolizing Jewish-German reconciliation. Saint Stephen's is the only German church featuring Chagall’s work. Alongside these windows are 19 additional stained glass pieces created by Chagall’s collaborator, Charles Marq.

The church also houses impressive works of art, including a 15th-century painting of God the Father and a late Gothic sculpture of the Virgin and Child with Saint Ann. The baptismal font, dating back to 1330, adds to the historical significance of the church. Additionally, the Gothic cloister, built between 1462 and 1499, is known as one of the most beautiful in the region and serves as the resting place for many of Mainz’s dignitaries, marked by tombstones adorned with coats of arms.

Saint Stephen's Church, with its blend of history, art, and architecture, remains a spiritual and cultural treasure in Mainz.

Schiller Square is one of downtown Mainz's central squares. This attractive square is filled with trees and surrounded by greenery. The square has several stately Baroque and Rococo-style aristocratic residences. It is best known for its famous Mainz carnival fountain and the Schiller statue.

The carnival fountain is about nine meters (29 feet) tall. It was created in 1967 and has over 200 bronze figures portraying the carnival story. Carnival is officially opened from the Osteiner Hof's balcony, which overlooks the square.

The Osteiner Hof is one of the square's impressive palaces and was built between 1747 and 1752. The Osteiner Hof features an ornate facade with detailed coats of arms.

Schiller Square also has a monument to Friedrich Schiller, the square's namesake. Friedrich Schiller was an influential 18th-century poet, playwright, philosopher, and historian. The bronze statue was erected in 1862 and sits on a marble base.

Market Square is Mainz's most popular square and is dominated by the iconic Mainz Cathedral. The square became a popular trading place when the cathedral was built in 975. Traditionally, merchants offered wool, cloth, fur, baked goods, and fruit and vegetables. Products were set out in large baskets on the floor.

The Renaissance market fountain was built in 1526. The water fountain was an important source of fresh water for nearby residents. In 1889, a Madonna figure was added to the fountain.

Most of the houses in the square date to the 18th century. World War II bombs heavily damaged Market Square. In 1975, Mainz celebrated the thousandth anniversary of the cathedral and committed to re-designing and rebuilding the square. Many of the buildings were rebuilt with historical facades.

The market takes place Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Market Square hosts a vibrant Christmas Market during the Christmas holiday season.