The old town of Mainz bears the marks of a long and eventful past, which is still clearly reflected in the cityscape today. It is visible in the mighty medieval cathedral, in the historic patrician houses, in the Elector's Palace, as well as in the narrow, winding streets and atmospheric squares. This historical heritage is complemented by modern buildings such as the town hall built in 1971 by the Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, the Brand shopping center, the Rheingoldhalle, and Fort Malakoff, which illustrate the city's ongoing transformation.
On a stroll through the old town, one can trace history and culture, times of prosperity as well as phases of decline over the past 2000 years. Within the former fortification ring – which extended from the Kaisertor in the north over today's Kaiserstraße and the main train station to the citadel in the south – lies the origin of the city of Mainz. The old names "Mogontiacum" and "Aurea Moguntia" still remind us of the time when Mainz was the capital of the Roman province of Upper Germania.
Time and again, the city has been ravaged by wars and destruction over the centuries, particularly devastating during the years 1942 to 1945 in World War II, when large parts of the city area lay in ruins. In the meantime, much has been rebuilt and restored with great care. Today, there is vibrant activity in Augustinerstraße, along the Rhine promenade, or on market days in front of the impressive backdrop of St. Martin's Cathedral – an expression of an old town that connects history and the present in a unique way.
