Anyone coming to Mainz via the Theodor-Heuss Bridge immediately notices it: the striking sandstone-red Electoral Palace, which spans 75 meters along the Rhine front. It is as if the city wants to immediately show its visitors the highlight of its history - its heyday as an electoral residence.
The palace is uniquely shaped by the late German Renaissance. In immediate proximity are the former Deutsche Orden House and the New Armory. It stands out from these two late Baroque buildings through the virtuoso design language of its façade.
Construction began in the early 17th century under Elector Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg and was completed in several stages. Despite numerous destructions – including during World War II – the building was restored with great effort and attention to detail and is now one of the architectural landmarks of Mainz.
With its historical significance, prominent location by the Rhine, and stylish architecture, the Electoral Palace is a central place in the cultural life of the city of Mainz – and a popular destination for visitors wanting to discover historic Mainz. As the host of the television carnival session "Mainz stays Mainz, as it sings and laughs," the Great Hall of the city's most important secular building is known beyond the borders of the state.
