St. Stephen's Church, Mainz (must see)

Saint Stephen's Church in Mainz is a remarkable historical and architectural monument. Originally built in 990 by Archbishop Willigis, who also commissioned the Mainz Cathedral, Saint Stephen’s was envisioned as the "Empire's Place of Prayer." It occupies Mainz's highest hill and was intended as a place of spiritual significance. Willigis himself was buried here in 1011.

The current structure, completed in 1340, is the oldest Gothic hall church along the Upper Rhine. The church’s red sandstone nave, with two side aisles, is a prominent feature of many Mainz buildings. Its 66-meter tower, which has been part of the church since its original construction, is notable for its pointed arch frieze. A dome and lantern were added in 1962 to celebrate Mainz’s 2,000-year anniversary.

Over the centuries, Saint Stephen’s has endured damage from various events. An explosion in 1857 damaged its façade, and World War II bombing caused significant destruction. Yet, the church’s resilience is evident in its restoration and preservation efforts.

One of the most striking elements of Saint Stephen’s Church is its stained glass windows, created by the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The nine windows, designed between 1978 and 1985, are unique for their vivid blue hues and their portrayal of Christian and Jewish themes, symbolizing Jewish-German reconciliation. Saint Stephen's is the only German church featuring Chagall’s work. Alongside these windows are 19 additional stained glass pieces created by Chagall’s collaborator, Charles Marq.

The church also houses impressive works of art, including a 15th-century painting of God the Father and a late Gothic sculpture of the Virgin and Child with Saint Ann. The baptismal font, dating back to 1330, adds to the historical significance of the church. Additionally, the Gothic cloister, built between 1462 and 1499, is known as one of the most beautiful in the region and serves as the resting place for many of Mainz’s dignitaries, marked by tombstones adorned with coats of arms.

Saint Stephen's Church, with its blend of history, art, and architecture, remains a spiritual and cultural treasure in Mainz.