Under the Sign of the Cross

The rise of Mainz as an ecclesiastical centre began primarily through the mission undertaken by Boniface (d. 754). Under Charlemagne, Mainz became the largest archbishopric in Latin Christendom. Churches and monasteries continued to be founded in and around Mainz.

The Albansberg outside Mainz, with a Merovingian burial ground, probably had a spiritual, perhaps monastic community since the 7th century. Such is indicated by the tombstones of the priest Badegisel and the abbot Pertram.

The newly founded St. Albans Monastery under Charlemagne, with one of the largest church buildings of its time, quickly assumed a prominent position in the bishopric of Mainz and within the empire. It is the burial place of Mainz archbishops, royal and imperial family members, such as Charlemagne's fourth wife, Fastrada, and the site of important imperial and church assemblies.