Court of Ostein (Osteiner Hof), Mainz

The Osteiner Hof is one of several Baroque-era palatial mansions along Schillerplatz square in the city of Mainz. The mansion, along the southern edge of the square, was built in 1747-1752. Characteristic features for this building are the three round protrusions (risalits) at the front entrance and on the two corners. The building is lavishly decorated; for instance, the windows are framed by rococo-style cartouches symbolising the elements of air, earth and water. The classical gods Diana and Mars are shown on the cartouches framing the balcony doors.

In 1798 mansion became the seat of a newly-created département of France, Mont-Tonnerre. The Osteiner Hof plays an important part in the local carnival traditions. Every year, on 11 November at 11 past 11, the start of the carnival season is proclaimed from the balcony of the mansion.