Tier- und Pflanzenpark Fasanerie was once a royal hunting area. Opened in 1955, its rolling hills, meadows, forest zone, lake and rivers is a haven for exotic and rare plants as well as for 50 European species. There is also a petting zoo for children. You can avail of their nature tours which are fun and informative at the same time. While touring, you get to encounter bears, lynxes, herons, wolves and many more. Later, head towards the former hunting lodge, which, now functions as a restaurant.
St. Stephan, Mainz, known locally as St. Stephan zu Mainz is a collegiate church and has the oldest Gothic hall in the district of Upper Rhine. The church's history dates back to 990 CE when it was originally built. Over the centuries, the church has seen a lot of changes and rebuilding. It is famed for its unique blue Chagall choir windows created by renowned Russian Jewish artist Marc Chagall between 1978 - 1985. The nine stained glasses depict scenes from the Old Testament highlighting the common Christian and Jewish traditions and are done in luminescent blue. The church is also one of Mainz's important churches.
The Botanischer Garten der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz lies in Mainz, Germany. This botanical garden was created between 1946-1955 and lies in the campus of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. It was formerly a farmland and a training ground for the military. It now houses an alpine garden, a greenhouse complex and about 8500 species of plants and trees. Taking the guided tour by paying a nominal price is recommended if you wish to learn in-detail about the glasshouses and the different species of flora here.
Basilika St. Kastor is a quaint church that was built by the bishop of Trier. The church has a picturesque architecture and with intriguing interiors. The place is best known for being the site where the famed treaty was signed which divided the Carolingian Empire. Inside you can find old relics, epitaphs of bishops, inscriptions and so on.
A former monastery which dates back to the 12th Century, Kloster Eberbach is now a thriving and flourishing winery. The former Cistercian monastery is considered to be one of the most significant architectural sites due to its exemplary Romanesque and early Gothic façade. Wine tasting sessions and tours of the premises are a window into the monastery's past and its viticulture tradition.
The Mainz Cathedral is an architectural and historical marvel that is a must-visit while in the city. Known by different names like Martinsdom and more popularly St. Martin's Cathedral, it is situated close to the old town and serves as one of the major landmarks of Mainz. With a history going back to over a thousand years, this Roman Catholic monument exhibits an array of architectural styles. However, it remains a fine example of Romanesque architecture, even though it received several designs and structural alterations over the centuries. The cathedral interiors are home to ornate plaques and tombs of erstwhile reigning Electoral-prince-archbishops. Several arresting turn-of-the-century religious artworks adorn its high walls. The statues of The Madonna and Saint Boniface are focal points of its sprawling grounds.
Surrounded by half-timbered houses, Köster-Wolf winery oozes rustic charm and class. The building itself is from the 19th century and wine tastings are held at the cross vault, with a roaring fireplace, stained glass windows and a historic ambiance to savor the brews in. The wines themselves from dry white wines, to quality red wines, and a few local specialties.
Gebrüder Kauer is a small but charming winery started out by two brothers, with varieties such as Reisling, the local favorite, red wines, sparkling wines, burgundy and a whole lot more. Twice a week, visitors can enjoy an enlightening wine tasting session, and learn all about the history of the winery and how they make the delicious brews.
Geheimrat J. Wegeler - Gutshaus Rheingau is set in a beautiful, ivory-hued building known as Rheingau Manor, an unmissable landmark on Friedensplatz. The friendly staff are more than happy to take you on a journey across their vintages, their process and their passion for wine-making. The winery enjoys a loyal customer base thanks to its hospitality.
To sample some of the best Riesling variants in the region, a visit to the Weingut Georg Breuer is a must. The winery offers tasting sessions with cheese pairings, a tour of the cellar where the brew is stored and fermented in wooden caskets, and also tours of their beautiful vineyards around town. So take in the views and prepare to amazed by some great wines.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and seek refuge at the tranquil Benediktinerinnenabtei St. Hildegard which is nestled amidst the picturesque surrounds of Rüdesheim am Rhein. Also known as Eibingen Abbey, the monastery was established in the mid 12th century and has been home to Benedictine sisters. Today it is regarded as a Rhine Gorge World Heritage Site. Guests can participate in art and wine-making workshops conducted by the nuns and can even join them during prayer sessions.