Gautor, Mainz

The Gautor in Mainz was a significant part of the city's 17th-century defensive system. Built in the 1650s as part of a fortress ring, it once served as one of the main entrances to the city. The Gautor, constructed in the Baroque style, featured a front façade adorned with intricate red sandstone decorations, including depictions of two beggars in different scenes. Though the gate was demolished in 1896, its preserved outer façade was reconstructed near its original location in 1998, standing as a tribute to the city’s architectural heritage.

Historically, the Gautor played a pivotal role in Mainz’s defense. During the night of October 28, 1462, it became the entry point for Adolph of Nassau and his 500 men, who took control of the city after a bloody 12-hour battle. This marked the end of Mainz’s status as a free town, following a betrayal by some of its citizens. The gate's significance stretched beyond its defensive role, serving as the main connection between Mainz and the surrounding landscape (referred to as "Gau" in Middle High German). The structure's Roman-Baroque elements, especially visible in the surviving outer Gautor, reflect the city's rich historical and architectural legacy. Today, a replica of Saint Martin with two beggars sits high above the gate, reinstating its historical grandeur.