Mainz cathedral is as much a part of the city as the Rhenish carnival. Rising majestically from the city centre, it is one of the most important ecclesiastical buildings in Germany. Built in 975 under the aegis of Bishop Willigis, this cathedral and episcopal church is at the spiritual centre of the diocese of Mainz. A thousand years ago, when the church was already under the patronage of St. Martin of Tours, faithful followers from the city would flock here. Attractions include the altar of St. Mary in the Ketteler Chapel with the schöne Mainzerin (beautiful lady of Mainz). Today, the adjoining collegiate buildings house the Cathedral and Diocesan Museum.

The Gutenberg Museum, an exhibition devoted to the history of printing, offers an insight into the world of the printing press invented by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz. Founded in 1900 on the 500th anniversary of the birth of Gutenberg, the museum is dedicated to his life and work. In this treasure trove of the printed word, visitors can explore various sections on printing technology, book design, commercial print jobs and bookplates, graphics, posters, paper and types down the ages. For an overview of the history of type and printing it is second to none. Highlights include the famous Gutenberg Bible, one of the most beautiful books of all time.

Mainz Carnival is referred to as the 'fifth season' of the year. Every year in February/March it means three crazy days and four nights of partying. Everyday life grinds to a halt in the city as people celebrate, dance, laugh and flirt – things are pretty lively from Carnival Monday through to Ash Wednesday. The 7km Rose Monday carnival procession on the Monday before Lent takes four to five hours to snake its way through the centre of Mainz, attracting more than half a million spectators every time. Mainz Carnival is an integral part of the city's history, a cultural phenomenon and a social event that has had a firm place on the festival calendar for centuries.