Haus zum Aschaffenberg (House on the Aschaffenberg), Mainz

Haus zum Aschaffenberg (House on the Aschaffenberg) is a half-timbered house located in the city of Mainz, Germany. It is considered to be the oldest known timbered house in Mainz, with its origins dating back to around 1450. The gable facade of the building has retained the typical appearance of one of the late Gothic half-timbered houses that shaped the city's image during the 15th and 16th centuries. The steep gable, curved parapet struts, and intermediate uprights are all typical features of the time of origin.

The middle fret stands form a late Gothic early form of the braced figure of the "man". The pointed arcade openings on the eaves side of the building (long side) are also noteworthy. In the late 16th century, the house was divided on the eaves side. In 1708, the ground floor underwent renovation and the windows on the upper floors were enlarged.

Interestingly, the house is also associated with Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. It was first mentioned in a document in connection with Gutenberg in 1448. Gutenberg had borrowed 150 gold guilders from two citizens of Mainz to develop his invention, and his cousin Arnold Gelthus had acted as a guarantor for the loan. The interest received from Haus Aschaffenberg was given as collateral for the loan.

The House on the Aschaffenberg is part of an ensemble of timber, sandstone, and cobblestones, adding to its historical significance. It was only recognized as the oldest known half-timbered building in Mainz after it was uncovered in 1976, and the reconstruction of its reddish coloring according to findings. The building remains a popular tourist attraction and a significant part of Mainz's cultural heritage.