Mainz, capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate andOld university town in Germany , located on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River (hence its name).
Mainz is one of the oldest cities in Europe Its roots date back to the first century AD, when the Romans built a fort here.
The city is also known worldwide as the city of Gutenberg, where the German scholar Gutenberg printed the first book in history.
Thanks to this important heritage, the city has retained its importance as a centre for some of Germany's oldest publishing houses.
To learn more about these and other fun things to do in this historic city, be sure to read the list below of the top tourist attractions in this German city.
Top tourist attractions in Mainz
Mainz Cathedral
In the centre of Mainz stands the stunning six-towered Catholic Cathedral of St. Martin.
Together with the cathedrals of Speyer and Worms, this cathedral ranks as one of the important achievements of Romanesque religious architecture on the Upper Rhine.
While construction began in 975 AD, most of the building dates from the 11th – 13th centuries.
Highlights of the visit include the opportunity to see many tombs and monuments to powerful princes and bishops of bygone eras, as well as many centuries-old religious artworks.
Also Cathedral Museum Also worth a visit, among its impressive collections are many artifacts and documents relating to the building's rich history.
The stunning architectural style of the cathedral building
Gutenberg Museum, Mainz
This beautiful old museum, dating back to 1664, is dedicated to the world of printing and is the largest of its kind in the world.
This important landmark takes its name from Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the movable type printing technique that revolutionized publishing in the 15th century.
The museum's important collections also include printing equipment, printed materials, and much more.
There is also Audio tours are in English, and a well-stocked gift shop is available on the premises.
Gothenburg Museum
Museum of Ancient Maritime Navigation, Mainz
Focusing on the art of sailing through the centuries, a visit to this museum is a great educational experience for all ages.
Opened in 1994, this tourist attraction offers visitors six full-size replicas of boats from different periods of history, from simple rowing boats to larger Roman sailing ships.
Other highlights include letters and documents relating to the lives of Roman sailors charged with guarding the Rhine, and numerous models of naval vessels.
Museum of Ancient Maritime Navigation
Central Roman-Germanic Museum
This 19th-century museum is located just downstream from the Theodor Heus Bridge.
This attractive red-painted building is now home to the Central Roman-Germanic Museum.
Founded in 1852, the museum houses collections of German history, as well as collections of prehistoric and Roman antiquities.
The collections are displayed in two main galleries: the Roman Gallery, which focuses on the military expansion of the Roman Empire and its dealings with other cultures
including a replica of a Roman organ; and Late Antiquity and Early Medieval, dealing with Roman relations with pagan religions and Christianity.
Central Roman-Germanic Museum
Iron and wood towers
They are two ancient towers that once formed part of the city's fortifications.
The oldest of these, the Iron Tower, was built in 1240 and takes its name from the former Iron Market (Eisenmarkt) that stood nearby.
Built as a watchtower and gateway to the city – it also served as a prison – it is now used for art exhibitions and community events.
It was named, the Wood Tower, after the wood stored next to it on the banks of the Rhine.
Its present Gothic appearance dates back to the 15th century, asIt also served as a watchtower.
Wooden tower used as a watchtower
Botanical Gardens
Covering – Mainz Botanical Gardens – approximately 25 acres, part of University of Mainz.
The gardens were established in 1946 on a former military training ground, and now contain 8,500 species of plants.
From regional to tropical species housed in a series of glasshouses.
Notable landmarks include a large nursery and aAlpine ridge.
The city also has many other attractive green spaces.
A little further on, between the suburbs of Mombach and Gonsenheim, is the reserve. Mainzer Sand The natural area has a variety of interesting steppe plants.
Botanical Gardens
State Museum
The Mainz State Museum dates back to 1803, when Napoleon donated a large personal art collection to the city.
The collection included many fine antiquities and works of art from all over Europe.
The prehistoric collection features a 25,000-year-old statue and Stone Age tools.
Other highlights are the medieval section, with items made of ivory and many ancient paintings.
In addition to Renaissance and Baroque collections, with works from France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy.
State Museum
Mainz Central Square
Mainz's central square, in front of the cathedral, is known as Marktplatz, or market.
Surrounded by beautiful painted and half-timbered buildings, it is among the most picturesque spots in the city.
The square comes alive with colorful stalls selling fresh produce and flowers, as well as locally made products and crafts.
A great time to visit is December, when the square is filled with a bustling Christmas market.
During the holiday season, more than 100 stalls line the square.
Central city square
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