Old Mainz offers tourists a wide panorama of attractions: from the ruins of the Roman Empire to modern office buildings. An important role in excursion programs is played by churches and cathedrals in Mainz, the inspection of which has long become an integral part of exploring the city.
Why the city is attractive to tourists
Mainz belongs to the oldest cities in Germany. A military settlement appeared here during the time of the Roman Empire, and tourists can still see traces of Roman rule. Mainz Cathedral of the 10th century, in which the features of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque styles are harmoniously intertwined, as well as the Church of St. Stefan, decorated with frescoes and stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, a new synagogue created by the famous architect Manuel Hertz.
The cozy little Mainz is famous for its Christmas markets, which have been held here since 1788, and the wine festival at the end of August.
Mainz is closely associated with the name of Gutenberg, the first book printer who worked here for a long time.
The central square with fountains, over which the marble town hall, built in the 70s of the 20th century, rises, is ideal for walks. Then you can delve into the narrow streets of the old town and get acquainted with the ancient architecture.
The peculiarity of the city is its small size, so all sights and ancient monuments are within walking distance from each other.
St. Peter's Church
Catholic Church of St. Petra is considered one of the most important landmarks of the city. The church was founded in the 10th century, and seven centuries later it was completely rebuilt. The building was badly damaged during the Second World War, but all the decoration elements were restored and preserved. In addition to the old elements of decoration, an altar with modern paintings and new bronze sculptures have been added.
Red brick, two narrow tall towers - the austerity of the Church of St. Peter in the early Baroque style effectively stands out against the background of the modern buildings of the city.
Today in Mainz the church bells sound again, and on weekends they listen to organ music concerts.
Address: Petersstraße 6. Nearby you can see the ancient Column of Jupiter, not far from which is the Central Roman-Germanic Museum.
St. Stephen's Church
On the highest hill of Mainz, the head of the German Church Willigis founded the Catholic Church of St. Stephen's is the oldest Gothic temple in the city. The founder of the church was buried within its walls in 1011, but over the past millennium, traces of this burial have been lost.
Tourists are attracted by the unusual design of the church: St. Stephen's Cathedral is famous for the works of the famous Marc Chagall, who made blue stained-glass windows and frescoes for it. In Germany, there are no analogues of such decor: this is the last work of the great artist, his only painting in the country. Scenes of biblical events are decorated on nine windows on the facade of the temple.
In 2021, a new organ was installed in the Church of St. Stephen, and now you can listen to concerts of organ music here.
Address: Kleine Weißgasse 12. The church is located near the train station, next to pl. Schiller, Old Town.
Church of Saint Ignatius
The church of St. Ignatius was built in the 18th century, when architects in Europe drew attention to the beauty of antique buildings.
Church of st. Ignatius is a strict classical building with a modest façade and vaulted ceilings.
Inside, you can still see an old organ and a unique painting by the German artist of the 18th century Enderle, depicting pictures of the life of St. Ignatius. A small and cozy chapel-like church disposes to contemplation, and travelers note that it has a pleasant aura.
Address: Kapuzinerstr. 36. Nearby are the Cathedral (Dom), the Gutenberg Museum.
Church of St. Christophe
A plaque on this church indicates that it was built in the XI-XIII centuries and that the famous Gutenberg was its parishioner, but today it is impossible to fully appreciate the beauty and grandeur of this ancient building.
The church has preserved elements of the 15th century, untouched by the restoration.
During World War II, the Church of St. Christophe was completely destroyed and it was decided to leave it as a silent testimony to the horrors of wartime.
There is a war memorial with the inscription: "Dead for memory - alive for life."
The church has preserved a sculpture of St. Valentine, antique cross from the 14th century. Part of the church building is active, services are held here. They go inside to see the old building "for the living", which organically merged with the "church of the dead".
Address: Hintere Christofsgasse 2. Nearby is the medieval Carmelite monastery.
Church of christ
Christuskirche is considered the largest Protestant church in Mainz. Situated away from tourist sites, next to the Rhine promenade, it nevertheless attracts everyone's attention when entering the city from the river and is worth a visit.
The exterior of the Church of Christ resembles a Catholic church, but inside a simple and austere interior, unusual decorative details.
Unusually, in a semicircle, there are places for parishioners. In front of the temple there is a large lawn, a beautiful boulevard.
Address: Kaiserstr. 56.
Carmelite monastery
This monastery appeared in Mainz in the 13th century and is still considered active. The main monastery church was built in 1350. Both the temple and the monastery were rebuilt several times, as they survived the fires and destruction, and during the Second World War were heavily bombed.
In the Carmelite Monastery, painting, modeling, bas-reliefs of the XIV century, the altar of the early XVI century, the medieval decoration of the temple are still preserved.
A three-story residential building and a church with a peaked tower and arched windows are open to tourists.
Address: Karmeliterstraße 7. Nearby - German House, St. Christophe.
St. Johann's Church
The modest church of St. Johannes appeared in the city in the 10th century, and today it is the oldest Christian church in Mainz. It was here that during the Middle Ages bishops were buried and kings were crowned.
The appearance of the Church of St. Johann changed several times: in the 17th century, it was decided to decorate the austere basilica with decorative elements in the Baroque style, and at the beginning of the 20th century, an extension was made to it in the Art Nouveau style.
Since the temple was completely destroyed during the bombing of 1942, it was rebuilt after the war almost from scratch according to the surviving ancient drawings. And although restoration and construction took a whole decade, some parts were never restored. The west wing disappeared, and the building became much lower, losing one floor. Today, various events, concerts of organ music are often held here.
Address: Bischofsplatz. Nearby - Mainz Cathedral, State Theater.
Mainz Cathedral
Mainz Cathedral was founded in the 10th century, later it was repeatedly completed, rebuilt, and restored, so today it organically combines elements of the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles.
The history of the temple keeps many legends and real events. So, here at the end of the XII century Frederick Barbarossa during his reign celebrated the initiation of his sons into knights, seven kings were crowned right there.
Today the active cathedral is a large structure in the center of Mainz, resembling a basilica with columns, towers, stucco decorations and sculptures on the walls. You can study art history by looking at the cathedral.
A religious museum is opened in the underground of Mainz Cathedral, which contains the most interesting artifacts.
Residents call the temple simply Dom and consider it the hallmark of the city.
Address: Markt 10.Nearby is Europe's largest medieval market fountain and the Gutenberg Museum.
Conclusion
Germany attracts millions of tourists who are interested in European traditions and ancient architecture, which creates a special flavor of German cities. Mainz is one of the most interesting in this regard, as it contains many old buildings known far beyond the borders of the country. Its cathedrals and temples are a great opportunity to touch the spiritual heritage of the past and spend your free time with comfort and benefit.
