Mainz Citadel, Military fortress in Mainz, Germany
Mainz Citadel is a quadrangular fortress on Jakobsberg hill with four bastions, stone walls, and multiple gates that form part of the city's defense system. The complex features underground passages and well-preserved structures that demonstrate its military engineering.
The citadel developed in the mid-17th century on the foundations of an earlier fortification, incorporating a Benedictine monastery from 1050 and a Roman monument. These layers from different eras reflect the site's complex military and religious past.
The fortress grounds now host the Mainz Historical Museum, where visitors can see objects and exhibitions about the city's development across different periods. The collection shows how the city and region changed over time.
Visitors can explore the grounds independently or take guided tours through underground passages and fortification walls. The location sits on a hill, so visitors should be prepared for pathways that have gentle slopes.
The grounds contain the Drususstein, a Roman monument from 9 AD that stands about 20 meters tall and honors soldiers of a general. The structure remained completely undamaged during the fortress construction and was preserved within the modern complex's design.
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