Mainz, the capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate federal land, is located on the confluence of Rhine and Main, Germany. Its geographic location predetermined the city's historic role as a major trading center. It was founded around 38 BC as a Roman citadel, which was supposed to defend the northern boundary of the Roman Empire.
Over the Middle Ages, Mainz became a European center of Christianity, contributing to the Christianization of German and Slav nations. Most of its churches date back to the 1000-1200s. The city enjoyed expansion and industrial development in the 1800s. Mainz is a famous wine making center, and there is even a wine ministry in the state government structure. There is also a glass plant and chemical factory.
Mainz is attractive for tourists due to its rich architecture (there are lots of interesting half-timbered homes), unique geographic location and numerous shopping facilities. The most outstanding sights include the Cathedral, the Wine Market, the Gutenberg Museum (the international museum of printing), the Electors' Palace, the 'Sparkling Hock' Museum, Roman Jupiter Column, etc. There is also Citadel a monument to General Nero Claudius Drusus, the founder of the citadel.
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