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Germany Mainz Rhineland-Palatinate Square

Kirschgarten

About

Kirschgarten is one of Mainz’s most enchanting squares, a preserved pocket of medieval charm nestled in the old town. Dating back to at least 1329, the name “Kirschgarten”—literally “cherry garden”—derives not from fruit trees but from the Kirschborn spring that once flowed near the old Rochus Hospital. The square is renowned for its tightly packed half-timbered houses, some of which date to the 15th century, including the Haus zum Aschaffenberg, the oldest known timber-framed house in Mainz. These buildings, with their ornate facades and steep slate roofs, form a picturesque ensemble that survived the bombings of 1945 largely intactRomantic Cities. Kirschgarten was part of the Nova Civitas expansion in the 13th and 14th centuries and later became a hub for the book trade, housing one of Mainz’s early printing presses. Today, the cobbled square and its narrow alleys offer a tranquil escape, ideal for strolling, photography, and appreciating the city’s layered history.

Mainz Germany
Kirschgarten
Location

Kirschgarten is located in the heart of Mainz’s Old Town and is renowned as the city’s most picturesque square, surrounded by beautifully preserved half-timbered houses dating from the 16th century. This charming cobbled square is just a short walk from Mainz Cathedral and Augustinerstraße, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the historic center. Nearby highlights include the Kirschgarten Fountain at the square’s center, cozy cafés like Lillehus, inviting wine bars such as Wein & More, and other Old Town attractions including the Gutenberg Museum, St. Stephan’s Church, and the bustling Markt square. The area’s romantic architecture, hidden gems like Hollagässchen alley, and vibrant local culture make Kirschgarten a favorite photo spot and a hub for leisurely strolls or relaxing with local specialties in a historic setting.​

Gutenberg‑Museum Gutenberg‑Museum Museum Landesmuseum Mainz Landesmuseum Mainz Museum Naturhistorisches Museum Mainz Naturhistorisches Museum Mainz Museum Bischöfliches Dom‑ und Diözesanmuseum Bischöfliches Dom‑ und Diözesanmuseum Museum Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum Museum Kupferberg‑Museum Kupferberg‑Museum Museum Leibniz‑Zentrum für Archäologie Leibniz‑Zentrum für Archäologie Museum Stadthistorisches Museum Mainz Stadthistorisches Museum Mainz Museum Garnisonsmuseum Mainz Garnisonsmuseum Mainz Museum Ziegelmuseum Mainz‑Bretzenheim Ziegelmuseum Mainz‑Bretzenheim Museum Museum für Antike Schifffahrt Museum für Antike Schifffahrt Museum Sanctuary of Isis and Magna Mater Sanctuary of Isis and Magna Mater Museum Museum Castellum Mainz/Kastel Museum Castellum Mainz/Kastel Museum Deutsches Kabarett­Archiv und Museum Deutsches Kabarett­Archiv und Museum Museum Staatstheater Mainz Staatstheater Mainz Theatre Mainzer Kammerspiele Mainzer Kammerspiele Theatre Galli Theater Mainz Galli Theater Mainz Theatre Frankfurter Hof Frankfurter Hof Theatre Unterhaus Unterhaus Theatre Showbühne Mainz Showbühne Mainz Theatre Römisches Theater Mainz Römisches Theater Mainz Historical Landmark KUZ Kulturzentrum Mainz KUZ Kulturzentrum Mainz Theatre Kinder‑ und Jugendzentrum Reduit Kinder‑ und Jugendzentrum Reduit Theatre Galerie Art Mayence Galerie Art Mayence Gallery Galerie Haus zum Stein Galerie Haus zum Stein Historical Landmark Galerie Dr. Dorothea van der Koelen Galerie Dr. Dorothea van der Koelen Gallery Kunsthalle Mainz Kunsthalle Mainz Gallery Kurfürstliches Schloss Kurfürstliches Schloss Historical Landmark Haus zum Stein Haus zum Stein Castle Proviant‑Magazin der Festung Mainz Proviant‑Magazin der Festung Mainz Historical Landmark Eltzer Hof Eltzer Hof Historical Landmark St. Stephans Kirche St. Stephans Kirche Church St. Peterskirche St. Peterskirche Church Castle Gate Castle Gate Historical Landmark Mainz Cathedral Mainz Cathedral Cathedral Markt Mainz Markt Mainz Square Citadel Mainz Citadel Mainz Fortress Fastnachtsbrunnen Fastnachtsbrunnen Historical Landmark Gutenberg Monument Gutenberg Monument Cultural landmark Heunensäule Heunensäule Tourist attractions Drususstein Drususstein Historical Landmark Arch of Dativius Victor Arch of Dativius Victor Historical Landmark Römerpassage Römerpassage Shopping Centre Uferpromenade am Rhein Uferpromenade am Rhein Tourist attractions Great Mainz Jupiter Column Great Mainz Jupiter Column Historical Landmark Botanischer Garten der Johannes Gutenberg‑Universität Mainz Botanischer Garten der Johannes Gutenberg‑Universität Mainz Botanical Garden Stadtpark Mainz Stadtpark Mainz Park Volkspark Mainz Volkspark Mainz Park Wallgrünanlagen Wallgrünanlagen Park Wildpark Gonsenheim Wildpark Gonsenheim Park Hartenbergpark Hartenbergpark Park Eisenturm Eisenturm Historic Landmark Holzturm Holzturm Tourist attractions Alexanderturm Alexanderturm Historical Landmark Paul‑Baumann‑Sternwarte Paul‑Baumann‑Sternwarte Observatory