Have you noticed the understated charm of the Höffchenbrunnen? It stands here in Mainz. This location is one of the four squares around the majestic Mainz Cathedral. It is easy to overlook this fountain. Yet it has witnessed centuries of Mainz’s history.
The Höffchen’s story began in the 14th century. The area got its name from the Mainz Archbishop’s court near the Cathedral. Imagine a space originally shielded by walls. These walls gradually opened up as the nearby Martinsburg became the new Archbishop’s residence between 1478 and 1481. The connection between Höffchen and the marketplace grew.
Now picture Napoleon Bonaparte. He reshaped this area in the early 19th century. In 1804, he decreed a street connecting the former Bishop’s court to Schillerplatz. This led to the creation of Ludwigsstrasse and Gutenbergplatz. Architect Eustache de Saint-Far envisioned merging Höffchen and the marketplace by 1808. Ludwigsstrasse and Gutenbergplatz were completed in 1824. But the merger of Höffchen and the marketplace never happened.
Consider the tumultuous night of November 9th and 10th, 1938. During the Reichskristallnacht a Jewish department store on Höffchen was plundered and damaged. After World War II, Mainz was devastated. Reconstruction plans were debated. Architect Karl Gruber emphasized preserving the distinction between Höffchen and the marketplace. He believed the modern Gutenbergplatz was less important. Gruber suggested rebuilding two head-end structures. This would restore the separation. These structures would allow unobstructed views of the Gotthard Chapel. The southern boundary of Höffchen was reduced by one story. This ensured the Cathedral was visible from Ludwigsstrasse.
In 1975 the square was transformed into a pedestrian zone. This was to celebrate the Cathedral’s millennium. An idea emerged in the 1970s. It was to build a community center. This would emphasize the historical separation between Höffchen and the marketplace. The plan included lowering the square’s center. It also included adding paving and water features surrounded by raised beds and trees. The water features and raised beds were implemented along with a flagpole system.
Today some consider Höffchen merely a transition. Art historian Andrew MacNeille noted in 2004. He said its simple buildings and lack of spatial separation make it feel like a connection between Gutenbergplatz and the marketplace.
Despite this Höffchen remains a vital part of Mainz. During Advent, it serves as the main entrance to the Mainz Christmas Market. At the height of Mainz Fastnacht the Rosenmontag parade passes through the square. Other events include the Intercultural Festival and the Mainzer Johannisnacht.
The Höffchenbrunnen is more than just a fountain. It represents Mainz’s resilience. It embodies its ability to blend history with modern life. As you stand here remember the layers of time. Remember the stories echoing through this historic square.