Mainz-Bingen is a district (Kreis) in the east of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Neighboring districts are (from north clockwise) Rheingau-Taunus, the district-free cities Wiesbaden and Mainz, the districts Groß-Gerau, Alzey-Worms, Bad Kreuznach, Rhein-Hunsrück.

History

During the French occupation under Napoleon the district was part of the departement Donnersberg. After the Congress of Vienna, the area north of the Nahe river went to the Prussian Rhine province, the biggest part however became part of Hesse. In 1835 the district Mainz was created, when the province Rheinhessen was abolished. In 1852 the district Oppenheim was created, and took some of the area of the Mainz district; in 1938 this district was abolished again. The district became the current borders in 1969, when the districts Mainz and Bingen were merged.

Geography

The main river in the district is the Rhine, which forms all the border of the district to the east. In Bingen the river Nahe enters the Rhine, after flowing a short part through the district. The flanks of the Hunsrück mountains in the west of the district to the Rhine valley are used as wine hills. The southern part of the district is part of the Rheinhessische Hügellandschaft, its gentle hills and the good climate make it a farming area for vegetable, especially asparagus.

Coat of arms

The coat of arms shows the three historic states which influenced the district. At the top is the imperial eagle, on the left the wheel of Mainz, and on the right the lion of the Palatinate. The coat of arms was designed by Dr. Hans Leitermann of Mainz, and was granted in 1970.

Towns and municipalities

¹ administrated by the Verbandsgemeinde Rhein-Nahe

External links

• Official website (German)