Audio Tour of Mainz: A Guide to the Town where Bookprinting Began

Mainz, Germany
Duration1h - 1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Mainz was founded by the Romans in 13 BC, making it one of Germany’s oldest towns. On this tour, you’ll hear about Mainz’s most famous son, Johannes Gutenberg, who transformed the Middle Ages by making book printing possible. The tour starts at the beautiful Market Square, in front of St Martin’s Cathedral. You’ll walk through the ‘Court of Corpses’, a former cemetery, and get a glimpse of how beautiful the medieval town must have been at Kirschgarten (Cherry Garden). You’ll also get a chance to see historic sights like House Aschaffenberg that survived World War II, and catch a glimpse of Germany’s most famous river, the Rhine. The tour will end back at Market Square, where we started off.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

What to expect

  1. Pass by
    Marvel at this stunning 1,000-year-old Romanesque cathedral that dominates the Market Square with its distinctive red sandstone towers. Explore one of Germany's most impressive medieval churches and learn about its rich history dating back to 975 AD.
  2. Gutenberg Museum
    Pass by
    Step inside to see working replicas of historic printing presses and discover how Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the world. Experience firsthand how medieval printing technology transformed communication and made books accessible to everyone.
  3. St. Johannis
    Pass by
    Admire this beautiful church that's even older than the famous St. Martin's Cathedral, dating back to the 10th century. Walk through its peaceful interior and appreciate the architectural details that have survived nearly a millennium.
  4. Pass by
    Pass through this atmospheric former cemetery that offers a glimpse into medieval Mainz's past. Stroll through the quiet courtyard and imagine the centuries of history that unfolded in this historic space.
  5. Kirschgarten
    Pass by
    Explore this charming square that showcases the beauty of medieval Mainz with its half-timbered houses. Enjoy the picturesque scene that survived the destruction of World War II.
  6. Heunensaeule
    Pass by
    Marvel at this ancient Roman column that has stood for approximately 1,000 years as a testament to Mainz's origins. Learn about the city's founding by the Romans in 13 BC as you admire this impressive artefact.
  7. Nagelsaule
    Pass by
    Discover this unique wooden column where citizens hammered in nails for charitable causes during World War I. See this folk art monument that represents community solidarity during difficult times.
  8. Gutenbergplatz
    Pass by
    Walk through this central square named after Mainz's most famous resident, Johannes Gutenberg. Pass by the monument honouring the inventor who changed the course of history.
  9. Pass by
    Stroll down this historic street lined with traditional architecture and local shops. Experience the charm of old Mainz as you walk along one of the city's most atmospheric thoroughares.
  10. St. Augustine's Church
    Pass by
    Admire the baroque architecture of this beautiful 18th-century church. Step inside to appreciate the ornate interior and peaceful atmosphere.
  11. Pass by
    Pass through this historic square that once served as a medieval fish market near the Rhine. Enjoy views toward Germany's most famous river from this charming plaza.
  12. Marktbrunnen
    Pass by
    Marvel at this impressive Renaissance fountain that has been the centrepiece of Market Square since 1526. Admire the detailed sculptures and architectural elements that make this fountain a beloved landmark.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour begins at the Market Square, 55116 Mainz. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This tour ends at the Dome.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$8.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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