Hildesheim – St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church

St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church are outstanding examples of early-Roman esque architecture.

Both World Heritage churches exemplify the skill of Bishop Bernward (993 to 1022) and contain exceptional artworks. The main attractionin St. Michael’s Church is the painted 13th century wooden ceiling depicting the Tree of Jesse. Germany’s only flat church ceiling, it is a fascinating example of monumental Romanesque painting. The spectacular cathedral treasure, Column of Christ and Bernward doors are characteristic of the Bernwardian period. The cathedral is being renovated for the anniversary of the diocese in 2015 and is closed until August 2014. Many of its treasures, including the huge bronze castings, can instead be seen at different places around Hildesheim until 2014. The Column of Christ featuring scenes from the Old and New Testaments is on loan to St. Michael’s Church. The pair of two 5m-high Bernward doors were cast in one piece – an achievement never mastered before – and are currently displayed at the Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum.