City of Mainz is a capital of German province Rhineland-Palatinate. City lies on the banks of the Mainz River and it’s one of the oldest cities in country with lot of monuments and interesting museums.
It originates from the Roman camp which with times had developed into the great city. Some historians believe that Mainz has more ancient roots. They claim that Romans founded their camp over the Celts village. I don’t want dispute with them, what we know exactly that with Trier and Cologne Mainz was biggest administrative, trade and cultural center from the north from Alps.
Thanks to archaeological discoveries we assured that Mainz was very important place from the eldest times. During the unrests of 69 and 70 years Roman camp has been destroyed but as soon as peace came to this area, it was rebuilt with diligence and double effort. After a few years in Mainz appeared akeveduk which strated near Fintene and stretched to Kestriha (so-called Roman stones).
In 90 Mainz became the capital of Upper Germany province. After that a lot of public buildings appeared in the city. For example, the palace of Governor near the Rhine or expansive theater, remains of which can be traceable today near the south railway station.
From this period Mainz began suffer from raids of local German tribes. This compelled local authorities to fortify the walls around the city and build the citadel at the top of hill which dominates over the city. During the centuries city successfully withstood rigorous attacks but in 368 Mainz has been sacked by the German prince Alamanni Rando and in 406 by Vandals, Alans and Sueves. Raids of the German tribes in 5th century led to the end of Roman era in Mainz.
In 1118 Archbishop Adalbert I gave to the city special perks among which were the rights to have own justice and will not pay taxes. Mainz also was the native city of the Johann Gutenberg who discovered the typographic printing method. Today you can visit his museum which is located in the central area.
At the historical center of the Mainz dominates the City’s Cathedral which originates from 11 century. Next to it there's Mainz Market Place where are conducting popular carnivals. Strongly speaking carnivals in Mainz are taking place over the all city center. But main celebrations are conducting on the Market. And carnival in Mainz lasts at least during a week.
Not far from the Market Place located Gutenberg-Museum which has been opened in 1900. Inside of the museum you can see reconstruction of Gutenberg’s work place of the 15th century. Also you can see there a nice collection of early printed books, including the Gutenberg’s Bible.
One of the most beautiful places in Mainz – is a Kirschgarten street which starts from the Baroque hospital of St Roch. This street survived in World War II and has well-preserved number of historic half-timbered houses which originate from the 16th–18th centuries. It’s very nice place in Mainz for stroll and prowl.
As for museums in Mainz, I recommend you to visit the famous and fascinating museum of Roman and Germanic history. Here you can see a lot of interesting artifacts of Roman culture. You will easy find this museum since it located at the Baroque Electoral Palace.
