Religious site
Hildesheim Cathedral
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Hildesheim Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of St. Mary, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases stunning medieval architecture. The cathedral is most famous for the Thousand-year Rose, a wild rose bush that grows on the apse and is said to date back to the 9th century. Visitors can admire the bronze doors (Bernward Doors) and the Christ column, both masterpieces of Ottonian art. Inside, the nave is a harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic elements, with a crypt that houses the tomb of Bishop Bernward. The cloister and the adjacent cathedral museum offer further insights into the site's history. The rose bush, visible from the courtyard, is a symbol of the city's resilience, having survived World War II bombings.
Don't miss
- The Thousand-year Rose on the apse exterior
- Bernward Doors (bronze doors with biblical scenes)
- Christ column (bronze column with reliefs)
- Crypt and Bishop Bernward's tomb
- Cathedral Museum with medieval treasures
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Hildesheim Cathedral
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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