Haus zum Stein, Medieval residential tower in Mainz-Altstadt, Germany
Haus zum Stein is a medieval residential tower in Mainz-Altstadt that rises through three stories with rounded windows in Romanesque style. Its limestone walls are exceptionally thick and give the structure a fortress-like solidity.
The tower dates to the late 12th century and was built by a prominent merchant family with considerable influence in Mainz at that time. Its first written record dates to the mid-13th century.
The tower represents a living piece of how medieval cities were built by merchants and nobles who wanted to show their importance through solid stone construction. The grand hall on the upper floor hints at celebrations and gatherings that once took place within these thick walls.
The tower is located on Weintorstraße in the southern part of Mainz's old town and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should know this is a private residential building, so access from the outside is limited.
Despite its medieval origins, the building continues to serve as a residence today and ranks among the oldest continuously lived-in houses in the Rhineland. Restoration work in the 1980s returned it to its original condition while making it suitable for modern living.
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