Mainz Favorite Tips by yooperprof Top 5 Page for this destination

Christuskirche churches Review

Favorite thing: In the rapidly descending twilight of an early January afternoon, I didn't have time to take a moment and step inside the Christuskirche. But I did snap a picture of its impressive copper dome.

The Christuskirche was dedicated in 1903, and was part of a Wilhelmine project to bring an imperial and stately air to what were then the northern suburbs of the city. A little pompous and grandiose, perhaps, something it shares with many other projects undertaken during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1888-1918). Appropriately, it stands in the median of Kaiserstrasse.

Rheingoldhalle - the Congress/Convention Center

Favorite thing: Next to the town hall stands the similiarly modernist Congress/Convention Center, amusingly called the Rheingoldhalle. No Valkries however!

It was designed by the Danish architects Hans Dissing and Otto Weitling, the successors of Arne Jacobsen (the creator of the Rathaus next door.)

Note the rather bare, spare, and monumental plaza. The modernists hoped that the modern world citizens of Mainz would live up to the ideals that inspired them to create this brave, secular, non-commercial space. But it's a little bit too George Lucas-y for my taste.

Rathaus - the new Town Hall

Favorite thing: Mainz's riverside Town Hall is the work of masterful Danish architect/designer Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971).

This _is_ indeed a very cosmopolitan city!

Osteiner Hof Schillerplatz Review

Favorite thing: The Osteiner Hof is in Schillerplatz, across from the Carnival Fountain/statue. It was built in the mid-18th century as a dowager's palace for the sister of the Prince Elector was also constructed in 1750. Today, it serves as offices for the State government.

The Old University

Favorite thing: Mainz's University was founded in 1477 by Archbishop Dieter von Isenburg, who had been involved in a long and protracted struggle over leadership in the electoral state.

Under the Archbishop's guidance, the University quickly became a center for humanism and scholarship - of course, it helped to have a good printer nearby!

Civic Theatre Theatre Review

Favorite thing: No proper German city of the 19th century was without its own municipal theatre! The good burgers of Mainz jointly funded this project in the proud 19th century, dedicating the stage in 1831.

Recent reconstruction created new stages behind the 19th century facade, and mean that the theatre will continue to function through the 21st century.

Gutenberg Statue (1837) City centre Review

Favorite thing: It was the French Emperor Napoleon who ordered the creation of a square dedicated to the memory of Gutenberg in the early 1800s. A few decades later, the citizens of Mainz commissioned the prominent Danish sculptor Berthel Thorwaldsen to create this prominent (larger than life) statue that adorns the square.

Just one peculiar detail - Thorwaldsen portrayed Gutenberg with a biblical (Mosaic?) beard, whereas in the 15th century, contemporary fashions would almost certainly would have meant that a prominent citizen like Gutenberg wouldn't have kept any hair on his face!

Lowen Apotheke market-place Review

Favorite thing: Beautifully painted in the traditional style, Lowen Apotheke stands in the central square opposite the Dom.

Dom Millenium Marker market-place Review

Favorite thing: Mainz has been a cathedral city for over a thousand years, a fact commemorated by this bronze monument in the central square.

The monument is decorated with images depicting the city's history, including a scene from the Second World War, with a Star of David, and flames from the devastating air raids.

Kirschgarten Old Town Review

Favorite thing: The old Kirschgarten, just off Augustinerstrasse, is one of the most pleasant parts of the old city. Half-timbered houses give it a bit of a "disneyland" feel, but this is a real neighborhood, and businesses that cater to the local community and mixed in with more "touristed" places.