Wiesbaden - Wiesbaden City Palace - Mainz

Route: Frankfurt - Wiesbaden - Wiesbaden City Palace - Mainz - Frankfurt
Duration: 9 h
Firstly we will visit to Mainz where the majestic Cathedral of Mainz is a key feature of the cityscape even today – over a thousand years after its construction. Mainz, located at the intersection of important trade routes and the place where Saint Boniface worked and lived, became an important centre of Christianity from 746/47. The city was eventually promoted to the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Mainz in 780. During the time of Archbishop Willigis (975-1011), it bore the title of "Holy See of Mainz". In 975, Willigis who was both the Archbishop and Archchancellor of the Holy Roman Empire, ordered the construction of a new cathedral in the pre-Romanesque style, modelling it on old St. Peter's in Rome. Over the centuries, seven coronations of kings took place in Mainz Cathedral. Of the 84 bishops and archbishops who held office in Mainz since the time of Boniface, 45 are buried in the cathedral. Our visit we will start with a view the Electoral Castle, the former residence of the Archbishop of Mainz and one of Germany’s important Renaissance buildings. Stroll along the Rhine waterfront while you learn about the Roman „Moguntiacum“ and General Drusus. Will pass by the modern Town Hall and cross  the Rathausbrücke, the pedestrian bridge, towards the Old Town where you will get a glimpse of the Iron Tower. You shall come across the Heilig Geist Spital (holy spirit) built in late Romanesque style at the beginning of the 13th century as housing for pilgrims, the old and the sick. Next we will continue towards the late Palace of the Holy Roman Emperor, that nowadays houses the Gutenberg Museum. Johannes Gutenberg was born in Mainz between 1394 and 1400 and is acknowledged in Europe as the inventor of printing. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Market Square, in the middle of which stands the Heunensäule, a sandstone column commemorating the history of Mainz. Right above the Market Square rises St. Martin’s cathedral, the „Mainzer Dom“. Wander towards Gutenbergplatz where you will look up to the life-size statue of the city’s most famous son. Located opposite is the great hall of the Mainz State Theatre. Admire The Carnival Fountain with its over 200 figurines and allegories and end your tour in Kirschgarten square with its medieval half-timbered houses and charming taverns where they serve local wine. During our visit you will se the Electoral Castle, the Town Hall,  Old Town, the Iron Tower, the Holy Spirit Hospital, the Palace of the Holy Roman Emperor now Gutenberg Museum, the Market Square, the St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Gutenberg Square, the Mainz State Theatre, the Carnival Fountain and the Kirschgarten Square. Next we will visit to Wiesbaden where perfectly combination of tradition and modern lifestyle. In the 19th century the city was planned to be a place of well-being, luxury and beauty – and this is exactly what it turned out to be! While strolling through the city you will know immediately why Wiesbaden is sometimes called the “Pearl of Historism”. In many locations the city was able to preserve its charm of a 19th century spa town. The Kurhaus Wiesbaden, for example, combines various kinds of architecture – from neo-classical to Art Nouveau. Today the Hessian State Parliament has its seat in the “Stadtschloss” (City Palace), the former palace of Duke William of Nassau. If you hear the words “Faites votre jeu” (Make your play) or “Curtains up” you must either be in one of the noble rooms of the Casino – one of the oldest casinos in Germany – or in the Hessian State Theater. The pompous Rococo lobby was added on in 1902 and is of particular interest. Beyond that, you can admire well preserved villa quarters and noble mansions that run along gorgeous avenues. A large number of parks and gardens traverse the city and just like the numerous restaurants, lounges, and bars – they invite you to have a nice relaxing break. Already 2000 years ago the Romans knew about the beneficial effect of the thermal water and recovered in the springs from their campaigns. Experience the hot springs in an Art Nouveau ambience of the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme (Emperor Friedrich Baths). Within the city, the Neroberg, Wiesbaden’s local mountain, belongs to the most popular sites. Try it out: the journey with the 1888 installed cable car is an experience in itself!During our visit you will see  the Kurhaus Wiesbaden, the state theater of Hesse, the Schlossplatz and the Church at Market (Marktkirche), get to the old and new Townhouse and the Hessische Landtag, the state parliament of Hesse, located in the former city palace of the dukes of Nassau. Also you can visit to therme bath at free time. After we return to Frankfurt.
Price: per person