Mainz

Mainz is the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, a historic city on the left bank of the Rhine near the mouth of the Main. It combines Roman roots, a medieval cathedral, and a strong modern media and university presence, giving it a compact yet lively urban character.

Founded by the Romans as Mogontiacum, Mainz is best known as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg. The Gutenberg Museum displays early printed works, while the Romanesque Mainz Cathedral, the market square and the Electoral Palace anchor the historic centre.

The ShUM Sites of Speyer, Worms and Mainz are a UNESCO World Heritage listing that reflects the city's significant medieval Jewish heritage. St. Stephan's Church is famous for its blue Chagall windows, and neighbourhoods such as the Altstadt, Neustadt and Oberstadt mix traditional wine taverns, shops and residential streets.

Mainz is also a centre for media and research. ZDF and 3sat are based in the Lerchenberg district, and Johannes Gutenberg University brings a large student population to the city. The surrounding Rheinhessen region is Germany's largest wine-growing area, and Mainz's carnival season is among the most important in the Rhineland.

For travellers, Mainz offers a walkable old town, riverside promenades, wine culture and easy access to the wider Rhine-Main region. Business visitors benefit from the city's role in broadcasting, trade fairs and services, while leisure visitors come for history, wine and festivals.