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....where the first book in the Western World was printed. |
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Can you imagine a world without the printed word? Did you know that
the inventor of moveable type was Johannes
Gutenberg? Named the man of the Millenium, his innovative method
of using moveable type meant that books, pamphlets etc could be
mass produced. The timing was perfect for spreading Martin Luther's
teaching across Europe.
Mainz has been an ecclesiastical center since 746,
when Boniface was bishop. It's cathedral has seen 7 coronations,
but a large fire in 1009 destroyed most of the original building.
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| Gutenberg
Museum. Gutenberg was named "Man of the Millenium"
and without Johannes Gutenberg's invention of moveable type in 1450,
it's doubtful that the Reformation could ever have become widespread.
This museum showcases woodcuts, lithographs and a replica of his workshop.
You'll have the privilege of seeing the Bibles that he printed over
500 years ago the first books to be printed in the Western World!
Click here
to visit the British Library's fascinating site showing digital images
of the Gutenberg Bible. Back to top |
Mainz
Cathedral. (Dom). This fine Romanesque Cathedral
was built from the 11th - 13th centuries. There are famous statues
of St Willigis (975-1011) who founded the Cathedral, St Boniface
and the Madonna. Next door to the cathedral is the Diocesan Museum,
which has many fascinating exhibits. Click
here for more information about the Cathedral. Back
to top |
St
Stephan's Church. Russian Jewish artist Mark Chagall
(1887-1985) created a stunning set of six stained glass windows
in the modern addition to this church. These depict Biblical themes
and were designed to help Jewish and Christian reconciliation. Unfortunately
Mark died at age 97 before seeing these windows in place. Click
here for more details. Back to
top |
View
Larger Map |
 Christian
History Highlights in Mainz:
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Martin
Luther (1483-1546):
-in 1517, Luther sent a letter to Albrecht, the
Archbishop of Mainz to oppose Tetzel selling indulgences.
Click
here to read the letter.
Johannes Gutenberg (1396-1468):
-in 1451 his world famous Bible was printed.
-his printing press helped the Reformation spread
widely.
Archbishop
Ruthard of Mainz (1089-1109):
On May 27, 1096, Archbishop Ruthard, upset by the
massacre of Jews, hid 1,300 of them in the Cathedral cellars.The
mob learned of it, broke in, and killed over a thousand.
The archbishop saved the rest by taking them into his
cathedral. Click
here to read the full article on the Church History
Institute website.
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 Selected
Cultural Events in Mainz:
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| Mainz
Wine Festival is held every August, and
includes fairground rides, craft stalls and a fireworks
display. |
| Mainz
Carnival is one of three
of Germany's large carnivals (alongside Cologne and Düsseldorf).
The party culminates in the big parade at 11 a.m. on Monday
morning, the "Rosenmontagszug". |
| Mainz
Tent Festival is held in the Volkspark
with an array of top acts from Germany and abroad in July |
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Have
you been to Mainz?
Maybe you live there...we want to hear from you! Use the following form
to tell us your recommendations. Thank you! |
©
Reformation Tours, LLC 2003
P.O. Box 854, Belleville, IL 62222
Tel: (618) 222-9914 • Fax: (618) 222-9917 • Toll Free: (800) 303-5534
info@reformationtours.com
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