Perched atop a green hill which towers over a picturesque lake, Rheinstein Castle is a dazzling portrait of medieval charm and splendor, with every nook and cranny bearing traces of its historical lineage. Nestled amid thick and verdant foliage, the splendid architectural specimen features exposed brickwork, a portcullis and a drawbridge, with the main structure being flanked by impressive towers surrounded by a garden abundant in grapevine. The interior is as much a delight as the exterior; expansive chambers are adorned in elegant decor which accentuates their old-school nuances, weaving a striking tapestry for awed tourists to admire. Traipse through the hallways as you absorb a wealth of information afforded by insightful displays or make a pit stop at the on-site restaurant to recharge and replenish your strength. The castle also incorporates other attractions like the elaborately carved chapel and a magnificent room named the Knight's Hall which is hailed for its resplendent stained glass windows.
The Niederwalddenkmal lies in Hesse, Germany. This monument is found in the Niederwald Landscape park and it was designed by architect Karl Weisbach and created by sculptor Johannes Schilling. This magnificent monument cost one million marks to make at the time. It was made in commemoration of the German Empire foundation post the Franco-Prussian War.
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.
Having survived the Second World War, the Augustinerkirche has retained its splendor. Used as a monastery by the monks of the Augustinian order from 1260-1803, the main building stems from 1768 and is now the seminary for the diocese. Painter Johann Baptist Enderle has paid tribute to the life of St. Augustine with some fantastic frescoes on the ceiling, and one of the few surviving organs built by master craftsman Johann Heinrich Stumm stands under the main window. The church organizes special programs on weekends.
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.
Constructed in the year 1270, Bischofstein Castle was ravaged in the year 1689 but rebuilt in the year 1930. Fichte Gymnasium purchased Bischofstein Castle in 1954 and presently, it is used as a retreat center by the school. One striking aspect of Bischofstein Castle is its towering cylinder-shaped pillar beset adorned with a white streak of plaster. The chapel in ruins adjoining Bischofstein Castle is also one of its prominent attractions. Bischofstein Castle served as a bastion for Archbishops of Treves. Today, the 800-year old Bischofstein Castle serves as a fine specimen of 1930s' architectural style.
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.
Located on Mainzer Straße, Kulturzentrum Villa Sachsen is a Buddhist center and a venue for cultural events. It is located in a villa that dates back to the 19th Century and was owned by Prince Friedrich Wilhelm. Despite changing many owners since its inception, the villa has managed to maintain its rustic charm. In late 20th Century, the villa was owned by Ernst May and in 1994 it went into the ownership and management of the Buddhist community, Soka Gakkai International Germany. The company converted it into a Buddhist Center. Today, it is a major cultural center and hosts a variety of concerts, seminars and temporary exhibitions.
The lovely Marktbrunnen fountain lies in the city of Mainz in Germany. This renaissance fountain is located in the market place of the city. Beautifully and intricately carved, this fountain is one of the first decorated fountains from that period. Made in sculptor Hans Backoffen's workshop, it is created from red bricks and features three columns along with a Madonna figure.
This spectacular church is a sight to behold, its exterior comprised of towering spires and intricate motifs which accentuate its spellbinding façade. Katholische St. Martins Kirche is among the foremost religious buildings in the town, attracting worshippers and tourists in droves owing to its serenity and marvelous architecture. The interior of the church is adorned with a series of splendid ecclesiastical works, and another feature which commands attention is the grand Sandtner organ.
Lutherkirche or the Luther Church in Wiesbaden is a beautiful church which was first built at the beginning of the 19th century. Designed by architects Hermann Eggert and Franz Schwechten, this church was built in accordance with the Wiesbaden program. Located close to the Wiesbaden square, this attractive piece of architecture was styled in the Art Nouveau form. The church's capacity boasts of a staggering 1200 and is also equipped with a community hall to accommodate them. Local religious events and festivals find a place in the three organs inside the church, which has inadvertently led Lutherkirche to become one of the most renowned as a sacred musical center.