Mainz is a riverside city located about 30 minutes by train from Frankfurt. During its heyday, it flourished as a religious city and was nicknamed “Golden Mainz.”
Because it is located at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main, it has flourished as a key point for trade and river traffic. In fact, Gutenberg, who is famous for inventing movable type printing, was also from Mainz.
This is the exterior of St. Stephen’s Church, also known as the “Blue Church.” In stark contrast to the blue interior, the exterior of the church has a cute salmon pink color.
The church itself has a very long history, with over 1,000 years of history, dating back to 990 when Archbishop Williges ordered construction to begin on the highest hill in Mainz.
The first thing that catches your eye when you enter the church is the beautiful stained glass.
When light shines through the warm, transparent blue stained glass known as “Chagall blue,” the entire cathedral is bathed in blue light, creating a fantastical scene that makes you feel as if you are in the middle of the ocean.
This beautiful blue stained glass is the work of Marc Chagall, a master of 20th century art. Unfortunately, Chagall passed away after completing nine pieces of stained glass, and Charles Marc, who inherited his will, installed all of the stained glass in the windows in 2000. The nine pieces of stained glass made by Chagall himself can be seen at the front of the church.
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