Mainz

Mainz is the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate in western Germany. Located on the western bank of the Rhine, opposite Wiesbaden, it sits at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main rivers, a historical center for trade and wine. The city has around 217,000 residents.

Origins date to the Roman era, when it was known as Mogontiacum. It became a major religious and political center in the medieval Holy Roman Empire as the seat of the Archbishop-Elector of Mainz, one of the empire's seven electors. The Mainz Cathedral (Dom) and the Electoral Palace are notable landmarks. The city is traditionally associated with Johannes Gutenberg and the early printing press; the Gutenberg Museum documents the development of typography and printing.

Mainz today is a center for media, research, and education, anchored by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. The city is also in a wine region, part of the Rhine-Hesse area, and is known for Riesling and other Rhine wines. Cultural life includes the Mainz Carnival (Mainzer Fastnacht), among Germany's most prominent celebrations.

At the end of World War II, Mainz suffered heavy damage but was rebuilt in the postwar period as part of West Germany. It has a modern transport network, including rail, road links and river shipping. The old town features medieval and baroque architecture, museums, and theaters.