Just south of Hannover, is one of northern Germany’s oldest cities. Hildesheim may only have a population of less than 100,000 people but it can boast more important historic sites than you might expect from somewhere of its size.
In a large part, you can give the credit for this to a man named Bernward.
He is now officially called Saint Bernward but back in the early part of the 11th century he was the Bishop of Hildesheim.
In those days, the city was an important centre in the Holy Roman Empire and Bernward wanted to create monuments that were fitting of that status.
St Michael’s Church
The first construction he set in motion was St Michael’s Church. It was built in the early part of the 11th century in the Romanesque style.
Its double choirs, six towers and elaborate cross-vaulted crypt are all considered to be excellent examples of its historic decorative features. In fact, the design would go on to be quite influential in the construction of Romanesque churches in Germany.
However, the highlight of St Michael’s Church is the painted ceiling from the 13th century that shows a very abridged family tree of Jesus. It is the only flat church ceiling in Germany and the painting is extremely detailed.
Where is St Michael’s Church?
St Michael’s Church in Hildesheim is located at Michaelisplatz 1, 31134, Hildesheim, Germany.
You can see it on a map here.
How do you get to St Michael’s Church?
To get to St Michael’s Church, catch the train to Hildesheim. From there it is a 15-minute walk to the church.
When is St Michael’s Church open?
St Michael’s Church is open at the following times:
Summer
Weekdays: 08:00 – 18:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00
Winter
Weekdays: 09:00 – 16:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 16:00
What is the entrance fee for St Michael’s Church?
Entry to St Michael’s Church in Hildesheim is free.
You can find more information at the church’s official website.
St Mary’s Cathedral
The second building in his vision was the Cathedral of St Mary. It was built at a similar time, also in the Romanesque style.
Although it is architecturally important, it is the treasures within the building that make it so exceptional.
The Christ Column is one such treasure. It is a four-metre high column made of bronze that shows scenes from the New Testament of the Bible. It was cast around the year 1000AD and is regarded to be a masterpiece of Ottonian art.
The column complements one of the cathedral’s other famous artworks – the Bernward Doors. The bronze doors are almost five metres high and show scenes from the Book of Genesis on one side and from the life of Jesus on the other.
Together they represent the fall of man and the salvation of man. Each of the two doors was cast as a single piece and weighed about 1.8 tonnes.
The technology to make this artwork is considered to be extremely advanced for the time. The three-dimensional elements of the scenes are particularly impressive.
Where is the Cathedral of St Mary?
The Cathedral of St Mary in Hildesheim is located at Domhof, 31134, Hildesheim, Germany. You can see it on a map here.
How do you get to the Cathedral of St Mary?
To get to the Cathedral of St Mary, catch the train to Hildesheim. From there it is a further 20-minute walk to the cathedral.
The cathedral is a five-minute walk from St Michael’s Church.
When is the Cathedral of St Mary open?
The Cathedral of St Mary is open every day from 10:00 – 18:00.
What is the entrance fee for the Cathedral of St Mary?
Entry to the Cathedral of St Mary in Hildesheim is free.
You can find more information on the official website of the cathedral.
St Michael’s Church, the Cathedral of St Mary and associated treasures were listed as a World Heritage Site in 1985.
The fact that, more than 900 years after they were originally conceived, they are still considered to be an important and influential cultural heritage says something.
It says that Bishop Bernward achieved his dream.
Visiting St Michael’s Church and the Cathedral of St Mary
Both buildings are within easy walking distance of each other. In fact, most of central Hildesheim is easy to navigate by foot.
The church and the cathedral are open to visitors during normal hours and when there are no religious services taking place.
Although the architecture of both sites is interesting make sure you also take time to appreciate the artworks. The ceiling painting in the church and the bronze doors and columns in the cathedral are the highlights but there’s much more to see as well.
Of course, there’s much more to see in Hildesheim than just the church and cathedral.
The historic marketplace is worth checking out and you might also consider the Roemer-und-Pelizaeus Museum which has a collection of ancient Egyptian and Peruvian exhibits.
THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN HILDESHEIM
Hildesheim is quite small and you should be able to get accommodation that is very convenient for visiting the churches.
BACKPACKER
For a budget option out of the city, have a look at the basic Hotel Milano.
BUDGET
For a lovely hotel with reasonable rates, I think a great option is Ibis Styles.
BOUTIQUE
There is a wonderful design hotel called 1891 Hildesheim Boutique Hotel right near the train station.
LUXURY
And if you want to splurge, you can’t go past the majestic Van der Valk Hotel on the historic market square.
Time Travel Turtle was supported by DB Bahn, the German National Tourist Board and Youth Hostels in Germany but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.
What lovely churches! I have a huge desire to visit lots of small towns in Germany, so thanks for giving me another to add to my list!
Wow, they’re gorgeous! Interesting to learn a little history and see the age of the architecture!