The piece, which measures five x seven metres is the first page of John’s Gospel and will be showcased at Mainz Cathedral until the end of August.
Johannes Gutenberg built the first mechanised printing press and produced what is known as the Gutenberg Bible in 1455. It’s one of the earliest books in the world to be printed from movable type.
The page on display at Mainz Cathedral has a translation from the Shuckburgh Bible, which is a type of Gutenberg Bible.
The Dean of Mainz Cathedral, Rev Henning Priesel told a media gathering: “The huge page of the Gutenberg Bible fits well into the east choir of Mainz Cathedral. In the literal sense of the word, it is the hook for many creative offers that we are organising for young and old in the cathedral and Diocesan Museum in the coming weeks for the 625th anniversary…
“Johannes Gutenberg is a great son of the city of Mainz, where else than in the cathedral could the largest Bible page be appropriately presented? You have to see it!”
A special reading corner has also been set up in the cathedral to encourage children and adults to read a selection of Bible editions.
(Picture Courtesy: Diocese of Mainz)
