European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 15, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Germany 4 i the Mainz Cathedral looms Over the City. Marc Chagall designed nine of St. Stephen s windows. Churches dominate Skyline City s history Rich past reflected in religious buildings a statue of St. Boniface stands outside the Cathedral. By Jon Connor staff writer when Mainz is mentioned its Cathedral  churches can t be far off in discussion. Even from Miles away they dominate the City s Skyline. They have Given the citizenry  their ancestors a reverent image Ever since the roman Empire s acceptance of christianity under Constantino the converted emperor who reigned from . 306-337. During the ensuing centuries historians note that Mainz evolved into the other Rome  the Home of the archbishops of the holy see of  the area became the largest province of the holy roman Empire North of Austria  was made the capital of the medieval Empire by the eighth Century. Without a doubt the place that sets the tone is the Mainz Cathedral. Started about 1,000 years ago the huge six towered Cathedral looms Over the Market area. It was built  added onto Over the years drawing styles from the romanesque gothic  baroque periods. It is Here where emperors were anointed  crowned made Legal by divine right. At the door a sign is posted reminding visitors that this is a House of god  not a museum we ask you to observe with an appropriate attitude  to Wear decent clothes it reads. The architecture  its size Are breathtaking but the real treat is the Interior which stretches longer than a football Field  rises to 95 feet in height. There one will find expertly crafted statues of Jesus crucifixion death  resurrection. And there Are 10 Large magnificent paintings of different stages in Jesus life. Another must is the Church of St. Stephen located in the Southwest Section of Mainz. It is commonly referred to As the second Mainz  the Church As it stands today was completed in 1340. Here visitors will see the work of jewish artist Marc Chagall who transposed scenes from the old testament onto new Blue stained windows. Chagall born in Russia  a resident of France was. 90 when he accepted the commission in the 1970s. His work Carne to an end in november 1984, when Chagall completed the designs for the three windows in the transept. He died a few months later. A total of nine windows the Only stained Glass by Chagall in Germany Bear his Beautiful work  give the Church its special ambience bringing a smile to those entering the first time. It is open daily from 10a.m. To noon  from 2-5 . Tours Are Given monday Friday from 2-3 . Many of the newer churches were built by the Best architects  sculptors of Germany during the 1600s. The period was known for its curves elaborate decoration  Overall Gudiness depending on tastes. The Christ Church completed in 1903, can be found in the City s North end on Kaise Strasse. Built in Neo Renaissance style the Church resembles Many a state Capitol Back in the states. Four water fountains built near the front of the Church  to an already pleasing landscape created by. A nearby Park. This Park with its own fountains Flower Garden  benches offers a tranquil Retreat. \ unlike most other churches in Mainz this protestant Church locks its doors except for services sunday  other religious activities. An explanation on the holding s exterior alludes to problems with the Public a Siig the Church for activities other than worship St. Peter s Church located a few blocks from the Christ Church on Grosse Bleicher was built in 1748. The Church is distinguished by its twin steeples  Neo baroque architecture. The Church was burned during world War ii but was eventually restored. Like the Mainz Cathedral this Church is furnished with highly detailed sculptures. Marble figures of Angels  other subjects Are glorified layers of ornaments  decorations defying the austerity of the protestant  ceiling is covered with heavenly painted scenes including the crucifixion. These Are but a few of Many houses of worship that Tive Mainz a Strong tie to the past but still fulfilling the needs of today s populace. Other  visiting include the old  new Aish cemeteries the Iron Tower the old univ prs by the new City Hall  the German order House where the state parliament meets. Highlights of Mainz churches include the Rococo Interior of St. Peter s above  a Chagall designed window in St. Stephen s. The Christ Church completed in 1903, was built in Neo Renaissance style. Photos by Michael Abrams travellers tips getting there by car Mainz May be reached by autobahn 63, 66  60 via City exits. From the Frankfurt Airport local trains or the intercity train service will take you to the main railway station  travel to Mainz is possible by boat through the Kiln Dussel Dorfer / Deutsche  from easter through september hotels there Are 45 hotels with 4,500 Beds in tha suburban Mainz area. They Range from economical family sized dwellings to three Star luxury hotels. Parking Twenty five parking garages  car Parks Are available  obtainable through citywide directions. Currency come with German Marks. Banks Are closed on weekends  Many close by 3 . Friday museums All museums in Mainz Are free but most Are closed mondays. Tourist information for specific information on these places  other events in Mainz Contact the tourist information office at 06131/286-210 or Send a fax to 06131/286-2155 located on Barnho Strasse 15. English speaking attendants Are available. The office is open from 9 a.m.-6 ., monday Friday  9 a.m.-1 ., saturday. Callers outside Germany need to use their International Access code the country code -19  drop the 0. Jon Connor stripes Magazine september 15, 1994 september 15, 1994 stripes Magazine 15