Hildesheim

Places of interest

• The Historical market place (Markt), once considered the most beautiful market place in the world. It was reconstructed in 1984-1990 to its former splendor, after its destruction in the 1945 air raid. The more noteworthy building in the square are:
• The Knochenhauer-Amtshaus (Butchers' Guild Hall), once known as the most beautiful and finest specimen of half-timbered building in the world. Destroyed in 1945, it was reconstructed from 1987 to 1989 according to original plans. The facade is sumptuously decorated with colorful paintings and German proverbs. Today the building houses a restaurant and the City Museum.
• The Town Hall, erected in the 13th century in Gothic style. Partly destroyed in 1945, it was rebuilt between 1954 and 1989.
• The Tempelhaus, a Late-Gothic 15th-century patrician house, which today houses a bookshop and the tourist information office. It suffered some damage during the World war II but was restored in 1952.
• The Wedekindhaus, a 16th-century patrician house, is characterized by its high, ornately carved storeys including their ledges with depictions of allegorical figures.
• Thousand-Year-Old Rosebush: 1,000 years old. That's the age the world's oldest living rose is thought to be. Today it continues to flourish on the wall of the Hildesheim Cathedral.
• The Romanesque Cathedral, with its ancient bronze doors (Bernward's door) (c. 1015). It is in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
• St. Michael's Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - one of the most beautiful early romanic churches in Germany and a unique example of ottonic architecture.
• The Andreaskriche (St. Andrew's church), a 12th-century church with the highest church steeple of Lower Saxony.
• The Roemer-und-Pelizaeus-Museum, with significant collections from the ancient Egypt and Peru and spectacular special exhibitions organized every year.
• Museum of the Cathedral: Cathedral Treasure.
• Theatre: very versatile and offers opera, operetta and musicals, drama, ballet and concerts.
• Rose Route: all other places of interest in Hildesheim: e.g. the charming medieval-appearing half-timbered houses and the old Jewish quarter.

Recommended day trips

• Castle Marienburg (10 miles/ 15 km): a neo-gothic-romantic medieval fairy tale castle (owned by Prince Ernst August of Hanover and Princess Caroline of Monaco)
• Castle Hämelschenburg (40 miles/ 60 km): medieval castle of Teutonic Knights
• Hamelin (30 miles/ 50 km): the beautiful town is famous for the folk tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin