Built: 1670
Builder: Elector Johann Philipp von Schönborn
Style: Baroque

In 1462, the troops of Adolph II of Nassau entered the city through the Gaupforte – a precursor to today's Gautor – and brought the feud with the Archbishop of Mainz, Diether von Isenburg, to a bloody end. At the same time, this marked the end of Mainz's period of city freedom. Almost 200 years later, in 1631, Swedish troops under King Gustav Adolf marched in. The French Revolutionary Army followed in 1792 and 1799.

In the course of the expansion of the fortifications under Elector Johann Philipp von Schönborn, a brick cross wall with a passageway was built. This passageway was framed on both sides by gate structures.

Towards the end of the 19th century, the ramparts and Gautor were considered nothing more than a traffic obstacle. In 1896, they were demolished and the moat in front of them was filled in. Only the vehement protests of the Mainz population saved the Gautor from destruction. However, it would be another hundred years before it was returned to its original location.

Initially, it stood in the courtyard of what is now the Frauenlob Gymnasium. Then, from 1962, it was part of the green space at Fichteplatz, and it was not until 1998 that the gate finally returned to the place where it had once made history. Donations from the Schott Glas company and from Mainz citizens made the restoration and relocation of the gate possible.

The preserved outer gate features Roman Baroque stylistic elements. On both sides, the gate pillars rise up with their Tuscan pilasters. Since 2002, a replica of St. Martin with two beggars has once again been enthroned high above. The original group of figures is now on display in the Mainz State Museum.

Near its original location, the Gautor illustrates a piece of Mainz's city history.