Zum Römischen Kaiser

Zum Römischen Kaiser is a Renaissance city palace at Liebfrauenplatz in Mainz with three stories and a broad stone facade. The building features a distinctive octagonal tower with a lantern above the roofline and symmetrically arranged window sections that divide the front.

A wealthy merchant commissioned this palace between 1653 and 1664, shortly after the region recovered from the Thirty Years War. The project marked one of the first major reconstruction efforts in Mainz following that conflict.

The building served as Hotel Zum Römischen Kaiser and welcomed notable travelers over nearly two centuries. Its role reflects Mainz's position as a major stop on European travel routes during that era.

The building has housed the Gutenberg Museum since 1930, focusing on printing technology and the history of books. Plan to spend several hours exploring the extensive collection and specialized research library.

The entrance portal contains ornate stucco work from 1685 featuring artfully carved birds within the vault. These grotesque bird figures are a rare example of decorative craftsmanship from that period.

Location: Mainz

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

GPS coordinates: 49.99940,8.27556

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:07