Mainz – relaxed togetherness
In the deutschland.de series “My City”, mayors offer visitors secret tips. Part 1: Mayor Michael Ebling on Mainz.
1. Herr Ebling, what is special about your city?
Mainz is one of the oldest cities in Germany, although this is historical fact, not a quality in itself. Mainz is justifiably known for its open, cheerful way of life, and the highlight of this lifestyle is the annual carnival. Without wanting to descend into clichés, my Mainz is characterized by this lifestyle: people have a great sense of humour and enjoy the good things in life; they’re always ready to party and love a good glass of wine; and they’re really relaxed in the way they go about their everyday lives, like shopping at the market. We also have good relations between the different generations and cultures.
2. What do you see when you look out of your office window?
The River Rhine – and the River Main flowing into it. And, of course, I also see the Rhine Promenade with the people out for a stroll and the tourist ships.
3. Where in your town do you most like to spend your time?
I love to be in our Old Town because of the many cosy wine bars, really nice, individual shops and magnificent historic architecture. This is also where you’re most likely to meet the Mainz people I described above (Homo moguntiensis). But I also like to walk along the Rhine – to the Winterhafen and Zollhafen. Here you can see how the city is changing, how dynamic it is.
4. Which personality from Main do you value most?
Johannes Gutenberg
5. What place would you like to show tourists?
A small, homely square at the end of the Old Town, where the Ignaz Church stands.
6. Where can visitors get to know the people of your city best?
No doubt about that: by visiting Mainz’s weekly market.
7. And where do you most like to spend your vacations?
I feel young and I’m curious, so I always like to spend my vacation in new places and landscapes.
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