St. Stephan’s Church (Stephanskirche)

The basics

A short visit to St. Stephan’s Church is often included on walking tours of Mainz’s Old Town, and many visitors also opt to visit the church with a guide or audio guide. Admiring the elaborate series of stained-glass windows is the undisputed highlight of a visit, but understanding their historical context is equally important. Commissioned by the church’s priest at the time, the windows are the work of Belarusian Jewish artist Chagall, who himself fled France during the Nazi occupation. The Old Testament scenes depicted demonstrate common beliefs between the Christian and Jewish religions.

Things to know before you go

• Admission to the church is free, but donations are welcome.
• The church is closed to the public during services and weddings (typically held on Saturday afternoons through spring and summer), so check ahead to avoid disappointment.
• The church is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

St. Stephen’s Church is located in central Mainz and is easily reached on foot; it’s about a 10-minute walk from Mainz Cathedral. Alternatively, you can ride the tram (line 50, 52, or 53) to the Mainz, Am Gautor stop from where it’s about a 5-minute walk.

When to get there

The church is open to the public daily year-round, typically from 10am Monday to Saturday, and midday on Sundays. Closing times are usually between 4pm and 6pm, depending on the time of year. Photographers looking to catch the dazzling blue windows at their best should choose a sunny day, but don’t worry—the windows let in plenty of light, even on a cloudy day.

Exploring the Old Town of Mainz

The most interesting area of Mainz to explore is the Old Town, which stretches north of St. Stephen’s Church. The largely pedestrianised district is ideal for a walking tour, so start at the central Marktplatz, where you can admire the Baroque-style townhouses with their colorful facades. Continue through the maze of cobblestone lanes to the Kirschgarten with its striking half-timbered buildings, then onto the palatial Mainz Cathedral.