Landeshauptstadt Mainz Direkt zum Inhalt
Landeshauptstadt Mainz Direkt zum Inhalt
Large expanses of green and mighty trees invite you to tarry and relax in the Stadtpark. To the East you have a fine view of the confluence of the Main with the Rhine. It is fascinating to watch the manoeuvres the Rhine freighters make when changing rivers. At the North entrance you are welcomed affectionately by a floral clock with the appropriate flora for the season. 
The grounds had their origin in the gardens of the Collegiate Foundation and Abbot of the Benedictine Monastery of St. Alban (802). From 1700, Elector Lothar Franz von Schönborn had a terraced park with baroque forms and his summer residence “Favorite” laid out in this area. The work of horticultural art, that was much praised by contemporaries, was laid waste by Prussian troops during the siege of Mainz in 1793. In 1819/20, the “New Grounds” were created in English country house style between Fort Kartaus and the bank of the Rhine. Contemporary literature praised the landscaped garden as a “small paradise”. On the occasion of the city’s 2000th anniversary in 1962, flower houses, a bird house as well as a reading and quiet courtyard were constructed. A baroque statue of Hercules and the torso of the river god Rhenus from the grounds of the old Favorite garden were erected again
Today, the exhibits of the old flower houses have been integrated into the Favorite Parkhotel. In the brightly lit rooms there are numerous tropical and subtropical plants, underwater worlds with predatory fish and reef dwellers, and the traditional palm house with a 12 metre high winter garden and brooklets. The old aviaries at the entrance to the Volkspark have been preserved. There is a stock of some 200 animals of 20 species.
On the last weekend in August and the first weekend in September, the Mainz Wine Market is held in the Stadtpark. Wine and Sekt (sparkling wine) stands invite you to tarry in the romantic and wonderful atmosphere of this landscape park. Under aged trees you can enjoy wine in an almost princely manner recalling the age of the Electors.
The Rose Garden (Rosengarten) was laid out in 1925 on the occasion of a congress of the Association of German Rose Friends. It borders on the Stadtpark to the North and drops out of the English garden concept. About 7,500 varieties of rose grow in an area of 9,500 square metres. During the Mainz Wine Market, an artists’ fair and a small antiquarian book fair, which should never be lacking in Mainz, are held here.
The Volkspark directly adjoins the grounds of the Stadtpark. It was laid out in 1963 for the German Viticulture Congress. Today there is a large recreational area here with sunbathing areas, an adventure playground, a water playground, roller-skating rink, minigolf course, cafe, barbecue areas (booking in advance at the local council office “Ortsverwaltung Oberstadt”). A particular attraction for children is the miniature railway which runs round the park during the whole day. 
The Hartenberg Park, with its spacious grounds, its numerous playing facilities and barbecue areas is a popular destination for family outings. There are sunbathing areas, children’s playgrounds, a water playground, a roller-skating rink, a pipe for skaters, a cableway, a minigolf course with a small kiosk. The grills for the barbecue areas can be hired there (book in advance!). Strollers will find peace a little way away on wonderful forest paths.