The quarter of Neustadt or "New Town" is located to the north-west of the city centre, on the other side of Kaiserstrasse. This area just outside the city walls was first developed at the end of the 19th century on a site known as Gartenfeld. With this development the city doubled in size.
Although nearly razed to the ground during the Second World War, Neustadt is still dominated by a street layout and buildings designed by the city architect Eduard Kreyssig (1830-1897). Apartment blocks built during the Wilhelminian era featuring magnificent façades and Christ Church are among the original buildings that have survived to this day.
Over the last few years, new efforts have been made to rejuvenate Neustadt with due regard to its existing building stock and history. Buildings and sculptures by contemporary architects and artists – such as the Green Bridge by Dieter Magnus or St. Joseph's Church by Hugo Becker – contribute to the attractive streetscape of Neustadt.
The eye-catching Frauenlob Fountain on the Rhine promenade commemorates the life and work of Heinrich von Meissen, a minstrel known as "Frauenlob", who died in Mainz in 1318. The story goes that he was carried to his grave by the women of Mainz, whom he had lauded in his songs and poems. On the banks of the Rhine are the customs port and river port sites, designated for redevelopment over the next few years. The first new buildings have already been completed, among them Kunsthalle Mainz with its impressive glass tower, and a former wine store that now serves as an office block.
Neustadt features many squares, residential streets, taverns, and cafés, as well as small shops and traditional trade workshops. It is also home to many social institutions of the city and organisations involved in promoting the welfare of its citizens. At Synagogenplatz, the New Synagogue of Mainz, the centre of the local Jewish community, can be found.
In Neustadt, people born and bred in Mainz, students, and immigrants from near and far live next door to each other. The many annual street parties held in Neustadt reflect the unique character of this vibrant district. Goetheplatz is the venue for the traditional Gaadefelder Kerb funfair and festival and plays an important role in the life of the Neustadt community. The area around Gartenfeldplatz has recently developed into a trendy nightlife district. During the carnival, the legendary Rosenmontag parade actually starts in Neustadt, turning the neighbourhood into one big street party.
