Although I visited Mainz with my sister-in-law, we didn't make it to a few sights so I was excited to head back with my cousin-in-law. However, I also wanted my cousin-in-law to see some of the things Anna and I had seen on our last trip, too. Mission: make it to the Dome, Guttenburg museum, St. Stephens, and St. Augustine's (the church Anna just barely got into before they closed the doors on me for closing time).
St. Stephen's is a little away from the rest of the attractions, and up a hill. We had the double stroller and I almost decided to skip it this trip. I am so glad we didn't. It was amazing.
The church itself was started in 1276 and completed in 1340. The outside isn't anything special, at least to me, but inside the door, is simply spectacular.
Light filters through these amazing blue windows. Marc Chagall (a Russian-Jewish artist) created the choir windows. They depict scenes from the Old Testament and were intended to bridge the Jewish and Christian faiths.
The effect from the numerous blue windows is one of absolute peace and serenity. I just loved it. I think every church should have a room lined with blue stained glass windows, a special place for those seeking solace or just a moment of private prayer. The pictures below just don't do the effect justice. I wish I had thought to get a video clip. Anyway, I think I will be returning to this church as it may just rank among my favorite churches ever.
To me, St. Stephen's epitomizes Mainz. From the outside, you don't expect much, but when you get inside, you are blown away.
Since I didn't have Instagram when I was last in Mainz, here is a photo from the Market Square.
And, I finally got inside St. Augustine church! It, too, was amazing, and now rates among my favorite churches.
The fact that I am hoping to make it back to Mainz for a third visit says a lot. There is still more to see and more that I want to see again!
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