The historic marketplace in Hildesheim takes visitors on a journey through architecture and art. Buildings from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Rococo periods stand close together and amaze the beholder.

Hildesheim: Rich in History and Culture

Hildesheim has much to offer, and its churches—St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church—are a showcase of especially impressive examples of Romanesque religious art and architecture dating from the Holy Roman Empire.

During the Second World War, St. Michael's Church—an Ottonian, pre-Romanesque church—was destroyed by explosives and firebombs during the air raids on Hildesheim. From 2005 to 2010, the interior of St. Michael was completely restored. – © Hildesheim Marketing GmbH

St Mary's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic diocese of Hildesheim's most important structure. The first cathedral was built here in 872, and the buildings and art treasures have been part of UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage since 1985. – © LaMiaFotografia / Shutterstock

Listed as World Heritage sites in 1985, St. Michael’s Church and St. Mary’s Cathedral have an unusually large number of historical objects. They each provide a unique overview of the way churches were decorated and designed during the Romanesque period.

The Cathedral includes Bernward’s Door, which was cast in bronze in 1015, and Christ’s Pillar dating from 1020—both are impressive evidence of Bishop Bernward's enormous creative talent. The 1,000-year-old rose bush, which continues to bloom at the apse of the Cathedral, is also one of the city’s popular tourist attractions.

With its monumental painted ceiling dating from the 13th century, depicting the lineage of Christ, St. Michael’s Church is considered one of the most beautiful early Romanesque churches in Germany.

The painted wooden ceiling in the central nave was created in the 13th century. It measures 27.6 × 8.7 metres and consists of 1,300 oak planks. Along with the wooden ceilings of Zillis (Switzerland) and Dädesjö (Sweden), it is one of the only remaining monumental table paintings of the High Middle Ages. – © Takashi Images / Shutterstock.com

Culture and Events

Hildesheim’s museums are home to treasures of international renown. The Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum in particular is famous for its ancient Egyptian collection and outstanding special exhibitions on a wide variety of topics. The Hildesheim Cathedral Museum is home to a collection of treasures from the cathedral's history and the remarkable Cathedral Treasury, which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Magdalenen Gardens are also well worth a visit. The rosarium with more than 1,800 rose bushes is one of the oldest convent gardens in Lower Saxony and the venue of a garden festival each year in June. The Historical Market Square is the touristic heart of Hildesheim. With its buildings, which were carefully reconstructed after having been destroyed in World War II. From November through December, the Hildesheim Christmas Market provides visitors with a very special Christmas atmosphere set before the imposing backdrop of the Historical Market Square.

Anyone interested in culture can take advantage of many different events, concerts, exhibitions and theatre performances throughout the year. An impressive number of sporting events, festivals, markets, and open-air events attract large, enthusiastic audiences during the summer months in Hildesheim. Whether it’s “Jazztime” or the International Street Music and Street Art Festival entitled “Pflasterzauber” (Cobblestone Magic)—which features artists, comedy, show elements using fire and flames and lots of music—or the M’era Luna Festival for the Gothic scene, there is something for everyone in Hildesheim.

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