Mainz

1128 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

5/5

Review type

Destination

Location

Date of travel

August, 2016

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Solo

Reasons for trip

Much of the centre of Mainz was destroyed by Allied bombing in the Second World War. Over 1.5 million cubic tons of rubble had to be removed and everyone aged between 14-60 was asked to perform voluntary work to help achieve this. The city has been rebuilt and the new complements the old.

The C13th church of St Christoph was destroyed by bombing on 27th February 1945 and has been left as a memorial to the destruction of the city and the dead of the city.

Mainz is a city of big buildings and wide streets. The Regional Parliament meets in Deutschhaus, the Baroque Palace built for the Archbishop of Mainz by the river.

The Eisenturm or Iron Tower is one of the original gateways into the city. Built in 1240 it also served as a watch tower and later as a gaol. It was damaged by bombing and has been rebuilt. It now houses artist’s exhibitions.

Mainz has one of the best markets in Germany and from the river is approached through a garden of herbs and brightly coloured medicinal plants. The market place is lined with medieval houses and stalls sell fruit, vegetables and flowers, all carefully displayed. There are stalls selling bread and honey and even a stall just selling different varieties of potatoes.

The Romanesque “Cathedral”:http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/otherholidays/rhine/g_mainz/cathedral/index.html towers above the market stalls. Impressive from the outside, it has the WOW factor as soon as you walk in with gloriously carved statues and memorials on the pillars of the arcades and side altars with splendidly carved reredos. It is also unusual in that it has two chancels – one at each end.

Also in the Market Place is the Gutenberg Museum. Gutenberg was born in Mainz and was responsible for the introduction of the printing press in Europe and the first printed Bible. The museum covers the history of printing with examples from across the world and even has an exhibition on electronic books. There is a reconstruction of Gutenberg’s print shop and hand press.

The Museum of Ancient Sea Travel on Neutorstrasse, 1km south east of the Market Place has the remains of five C5th century Roman warship wrecks salvaged from the Rhine in the 1980’s. Next to them are replicas re-constructed from these.

Mainz is a popular stopping point for Rhine cruises and the city centre is only a few minutes walk from the river. It is an attractive city. There are more pictures “here.”:http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/otherholidays/rhine/g_mainz/city/index.html

ESW

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.