Mainz Cathedral
Liebfrauenpl. 4, Mainz, Germany, 55116
Nicknamed “Cathedral Mountain” by locals, Mainz Cathedral is an imposing sight. Easily mistaken for a royal palace or a Disney castle, it’s a feast of eye-catching red sandstone topped with a bell tower and a trio of fairy-tale turrets. Inspired by Rome’s St Peter’s Cathedral, the landmark is an important center of worship and a historic monument.
The basics
Walking tours of Mainz’s Old Town typically stop at Mainz Cathedral to admire its impressive architecture—the cathedral dates back more than 1,000 years. You can visit the cathedral independently or as part of a tour to admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, view the large collection of medieval sculptures and artworks at the on-site Cathedral Museum, and stroll around the pretty courtyard garden.
Things to know before you go
Music lovers can attend a variety of concerts at Mainz Cathedral. Find out about upcoming events and buy tickets at the Information Point by the main cathedral entrance.
Guided tours in German and free guidebooks in multiple languages are available from the Information Point.
Most parts of the cathedral are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and there are accessible restrooms inside.
How to get there
Mainz Cathedral is on Marktplatz in the heart of the Old Town. It’s easy to get around the Old Town on foot, but several buses also stop at the Höfchen/Listmann stop, a 2-minute walk from the cathedral. The closest tram stop is Schillerplatz, a 10-minute walk away.
When to get there
Cathedral opening hours can vary, so it’s worth checking ahead. Typically, the church is open from morning until late afternoon on working days and Sunday afternoons. Daily services are held in the early morning, with mass and various sermons on Sunday mornings—the church is closed to non-worshippers at these times, although worshippers are welcome.
The highlights of Mainz Old Town
Walking tours of Mainz’s oldest district often start at the central Marktplatz, home to the cathedral, a series of colorful Baroque-style townhouses, and a lively open-air food market on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. From there, give yourself time to wander around the cobblestone lanes of the pedestrianized area, stopping to admire the half-timbered building at Kirschgarten, browse the small boutiques and restaurants, or sample some Rhine region wines at a traditional tavern.
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