Mainz is the capital of the German state Rhineland-Palatinate and with approximately 210,000 inhabitants it is also its largest agglomeration. As far as the economy is concerned, the city benefits from its proximity to the banking center Frankfurt. The Roman city is of special cultural interest because of its history going back to the ice age and reaching its first golden age in 89 AD when it became the capital of the Roman province Germania superior. “Singing and laughing Mainz” is also known for its opulent carnival culture. The carnival parade on Rose Monday is one of the country’s largest with 9,000 active participants and half a million spectators. It is also the annual highlight of city life. Those who want to get to know another side of the city on the Rhine should go there in summer and take a stroll through the old town which was a Roman village once. Frankfurt Airport is around 25 minutes from the city center. Moreover, Mainz can be reached by car via the motorways 3, 62 and 63 from all directions. Due to the high traffic volume in the Rhine Main area, a train journey is however recommended.