Mainz is a city rich in history and culture, located on the banks of the Rhine River. Its old town is a picturesque ensemble of half-timbered houses and medieval market squares that evoke the city's storied past. As the capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate state, Mainz is also famous for its Romanesque cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum dedicated to the printing press inventor, and its vibrant carnival celebrations. This city beautifully blends its historical heritage with a lively contemporary cultural scene.