Travel Guide to Mainz, Germany

Germany is internationally famous for its old towns with ancient traditions. Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, is one of these cities. Rhineland-Palatinate is a Federal Land near Frankfurt-am-Main. Mainz is the eternal city of universities, broadcasters, bishops, and grandiose cathedrals. It is well developed as an industrial center as well. In Mainz were printed first books that had appeared in Europe; this city is the origin of the famous German carnival, which traditionally starts on Shrovetide.

Thanks to its ancient history Mainz has always been used as a connection point between Eastern and Western Europe. Because of this fact the city became the center of a bishopric yet in 747. This fact is the main reason for numerous churches and cathedrals found here. The historical center of Mainz - St. Martin and Stephen Cathedrals - has a large number of aisles and chapels, several organs and an unforgettable sacristy. Behind this grandiose building flows Rhine that is usually full of numerous small and large tourist boats. Another magnificent church is built near the train station. This is a gothic church built in XIV century. Stained glass windows for this church were created by Marc Chagall himself and feature various stories from the Bible.

Tourists will also find much interesting in Mainz suburbs. Another famous German city, Frankfurt, is located just twenty minutes away by train. If you choose to drive along the wonderful streets of Mainz suburbs, then you will come to Wiesbaden - an aristocratic resort visited even by famous Russian writers and prominent personalities. Drive a bit far away from Mainz and you will arrive to several lovely towns with amazing architecture - Ingolstadt, Eltville, Rudesheim. Of course, in all these locations you will be able to enjoy magnificent wine from Rhine.