Known as the largest wine growing district in Germany, the city of Mainz was founded in 13 B.C. as a Roman outpost. It was ruled by the archbishops throughout the Middle Ages up until the French Revolution. Today, its location in the richly fertile area known as the Rheinhessen makes it one of the best places to visit for the quality wines and regional cuisine. But there’s more to this medieval town than just food and drink, including important historical landmarks, beautiful half-timbered houses, and its own brand of charm.
Mainz is the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, one of 16 states in the Federal Republic of Germany. Its unique location in Rheinhessen, also known as the Land of the Thousand Hills, makes it ideally suited for growing wines. There are, in fact, about 3,500 wine growers in this region producing some of Germany’s best white varieties such as Dornfelder, Reisling, and Silvaner as well as Pinot Blanc and Pinot Grigio.
While eating and drinking can certainly occupy your time here, you will want to explore the city’s other treasures. This includes restored half-timbered houses in Kirschgarten Square, shopping in the many boutiques and small shops along the various streets, and visiting the area’s many cultural attractions. One of the most popular is the Church of St. Stephan’s with its magnificent windows constructed by Marc Chagall.
Mainz is only a 30-minute train ride from Frankfurt and well worth the time to include on any visit to Germany. With top quality culinary offerings and rich historical gems that rival any in Europe, it is one city that, like a fine wine, needs time to be fully appreciated.
~ Ron Stern, Travel Photojournalist, visit www.globalgumshoe.com for more about Ron. Resources: Historic Highlights of Germany