Hildesheim

Hildesheim
St. Mary's Cathedral was built between 1010 and 1020 in Romanesque style. It follows a symmetrical plan with two apses, that is characteristic of Ottonic Romanesque architecture in Old Saxony. The cathedral is famous for its many works of art. These include: the bronze doors, commissioned by Bishop Bernward (1015) and with reliefs from the history of Adam and of Jesus Christ, and a bronze column 15 ft. high (dating from 1020) adorned with reliefs from the life of Christ.

The Church of St. Michael also is an early-Romanesque church. It was founded ca. 1010 by Bishop Bernward. The church has a famous painted ceiling, with 1300 pieces of wood, and was the original location of the bronze Bernward doors (now in the Cathedral).

These two Christian monuments are inseparable from each other and are an exceptional testimony to the religious art of the Holy Roman Empire.

Year Decision Comments
1985 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
1982RejectedChurch of St Michael Hildesheim: st Bureau - no reason given



Visit January 2006

Probably I should count this as 0.5 visited site: I did go and see both churches, but wasn't able to admire the art which has earned them their recognition as WHS. The Dom (St. Mary's Cathedral) was closed because of Mass, and the St. Michael's is undergoing restorations at the moment.

Viewed from the outside, both churches are very much alike. St. Michael's setting is a bit more impressive, on a hill just outside the city center.



More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery

Reviews

George D. Lord (USA):
Founded in 1020, this Bernedictine monastery became a provate mental hospital in the 19th century.
 


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