Haus zum Stein

About

Haus zum Stein is the oldest surviving residential building in Mainz, a Romanesque tower house dating back to the late 12th century. Hidden in the narrow Weintorstraße of the Altstadt, the three‑storey structure was built of limestone by the patrician family Judeus de Lapide. Its narrow slit windows and rounded Romanesque arches reflect medieval urban architecture, making it one of the few preserved tower houses in Germany. Over the centuries, the building underwent modifications, including Gothic and Baroque elements, but careful restoration in the 1980s sought to return its appearance to the 13th‑century form. Today, Haus zum Stein stands as a rare witness to Mainz’s medieval past, embodying both domestic life and the prestige of its patrician owners. Its survival through wars and urban change makes it a cultural monument of exceptional significance, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s early history and architectural heritage.

Mainz Germany

Location

Haus zum Stein is located at Weintorstraße 1 in the southern part of Mainz’s Altstadt (Old Town). This Romanesque tower house, built at the end of the 12th century, is the oldest inhabited building in Mainz, characterized by its distinctive unplastered stone masonry, three stories, slit windows on the ground floor, and original Romanesque round-arched windows on the upper floors. Situated in a quiet street near the Hopfengarten square and the Altstadt post office, it lies close to significant landmarks such as the Mainz Cathedral about 300 meters northwest and the Augustinerkirche just 110 meters away. The building stands as a rare and well-preserved example of medieval patrician architecture, nestled among late medieval half-timbered houses, neoclassical buildings from the 18th century, and modern residences. Haus zum Stein remains a private residence but attracts visitors for its architectural and historical importance.