St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church at Hildesheim in Germany

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Dom und Michaeliskirche von Hildesheim (Deutsche UNESCO-Kommission - only german)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1985
Size of heritage: 0.58 ha
- Buffer zone: 158 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 9,944°
Latitude: 52,153°

Summary

St Michael's Church was built between 1010 and 1020 on a symmetrical plan with two apses that was characteristic of Ottonian Romanesque art in Old Saxony. Its interior, in particular the wooden ceiling and painted stucco-work, its famous bronze doors and the Bernward bronze column, are – together with the treasures of St Mary's Cathedral – of exceptional interest as examples of the Romanesque churches of the Holy Roman Empire.

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St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church at Hildesheim

St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church, located in the District of Hanover, State of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Germany, are two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase the rich history and architectural brilliance of the region.

History

St Mary's Cathedral, also known as Hildesheim Cathedral, was built in the 9th century and stands as one of the oldest surviving examples of early Romanesque architecture in Europe. It was commissioned by Bishop Bernward, a prominent figure in the Holy Roman Empire, who aimed to create a grand place of worship that would rival the great cathedrals of the time.

The cathedral's construction took several decades, and it was consecrated in 872 AD. Over the centuries, it underwent various renovations and additions, including the addition of a Gothic choir in the 14th century. Despite suffering significant damage during World War II, the cathedral was meticulously restored to its former glory, and today, it stands as a testament to the resilience and craftsmanship of its builders.

St Michael's Church, located just a short distance from the cathedral, was also commissioned by Bishop Bernward and completed in 1022 AD. It is considered a masterpiece of Ottonian architecture and is renowned for its bronze doors, known as the Bernward Doors. These intricately designed doors depict biblical scenes and are considered one of the most important examples of medieval bronze artwork.

Current State

Both St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church have been meticulously preserved and are open to the public, attracting visitors from around the world. The cathedrals' stunning architectural features, including their ornate facades, towering spires, and intricate interior decorations, continue to awe and inspire visitors.

Inside St Mary's Cathedral, visitors can admire the beautiful painted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and the grand organ, which dates back to the 16th century. The cathedral also houses numerous religious artifacts, including the Bernward Column, a masterpiece of medieval bronze casting.

St Michael's Church, with its iconic Bernward Doors, is a must-see for art enthusiasts. The doors, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, are a remarkable example of the skill and craftsmanship of the medieval period. The church's interior features stunning frescoes and a crypt that houses the tombs of Bishop Bernward and other important figures from Hildesheim's history.

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
Zingel 26
31134 Hildesheim
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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