Introducing Mainz
Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, is a lively locale thanks to its sizable university, a large media presence and a certain savoir-vivre whose origins go back to Napoleon’s occupation (1798–1814). Strolling along the Rhine and sampling local wines in a half-timbered Altstadt (old town) tavern are as much a part of any Mainz visit as viewing the fabulous Dom, Chagall’s ethereal windows in the St-Stephan-Kirche (St Stephen’s Church) or the first printed Bibles in the Gutenberg Museum.
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The Romans were the first to take advantage of Mainz’ strategic location at the confluence of the Main and Rhine Rivers. In 12 BC, under Emperor Augustus, they founded a military camp called Moguntiacum as a base for the invasion of Germania. After the Romans, Mainz took a 250-year nap before being awoken by English missionary St Boniface, who established an archbishopric here in AD 746. In the 15th century, native son Johannes Gutenberg ushered in the information age by perfecting moveable type.
Last updated: Jun 2, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
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Re: Frankfurt-Gunzburgh
by mofo_tantely 14 September 2011
If you want to stay in a town, the closest will be Trier, Mainz and Koblenz. Check arizona's link for affordable options. Driving is…
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RE: 12 hour layover in Frankfurt: Sept 9th
by soylentyellow 08 September 2011
Is your luggage checked through or not? (Hint: If you travel on the same ticket it probably is, if not it won't be and you might need…
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RE: FRANKFURT OR MUNICH
by regards 07 September 2011
All other cities in Germany are better than Frankfurt/M. Going somewhere else in a short distance can be: Bamberg, Bayreuth, Nuernberg,…
