its Lower Saxon alternating columns and fully formed cube capitals is one of the most important surviving churches in the Ottonian (pre-Romanesque) architectural style. Don't forget to look up when you're in the church – the ceiling of the central nave is adorned by a monumental panel painting from the High Middle Ages, created around 1200. The Tree of Jesse is depicted on 1,300 painted oak planks.
St Mary’s Cathedral
ST MARY'S CATHEDRAL The cathedral is impressive for its sheer size, and for its unique art treasures. Take the gilded Hezilo chandelier from the Middle Ages, which is six metres in diameter! Or the Bernward Doors, a masterpiece of bronze casting. The Thousand-year Rose is a popular photo opportunity in the courtyard framed by the cloister. In the Cathedral Museum, you can learn about the legend that literally surrounds this place, dating back to the founding of the diocese in 815. Among other things, the Cathedral Treas - ury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be seen here, with one of the world's most impressive collections of sacred art.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
St Michael’s Church
Currently, there are 1,248 UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide across 170 countries, with 55 located in Germany alone. But what exactly is UNESCO’s mission? UNESCO is dedicated to preserving and protecting the world’s rich cultural and natural heritage. It also plays a vital role in fostering global cooperation, promoting peace and ensuring security. UNESCO World Heritage Sites serve as powerful symbols of this mission, connecting people by showcasing diversity, global solidarity and our shared responsibility. These extraordinary places tell the story of humanity’s lives and labours, offering fascinating insights into the development of our planet. One heritage – two churches: In 1985 St Mary’s Cathedral and St Michael’s Church at Hildesheim were jointly added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Together with their artistic treasures, these two churches are remarkable ex - amples of religious art in the Holy Roman Empire and out - standing achievements of early Romanesque architecture.
St Michael’s Church
EXPERIENCE EXHIBITION The free interactive exhibition on the upper floor of the Tourist Information Office in the historic Market Square offers the perfect complement to deepen your understand - ing of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hildesheim and the surrounding region. UNESCO WORD HERITAGE DAY
Cathedral rood screen, Cathedral Museum
ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH Its slightly elevated position, massive towers and walls give this former Benedictine monastery a for - tress-like appearance – powerful on the outside, harmonious on the inside with a strictly symmetrical floor plan. Built between 1010 and 1022 by Bishop Bernward, the three-aisled, doublechoir basilica with
On 7 June 2026, events will be taking place at the UNESCO World Heritage churches in Hildesheim and at the Fagus Factory UNESCO World Her - itage Site in Alfeld (Leine) to mark UNESCO World Heritage Day.
St Mary’s Cathedral
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