Tourist Attractions in Hildesheim
The old episcopal city of Hildesheim lies in the northwestern Harz foreland, in the fertile valley of the Innerste. The churches built by Bishop Bernward (993-1022) and his successors made Hildesheim a treasure-house of Early Romanesque architecture, and the town's many half-timbered buildings contributed to its unique charm and interest. Then in March 1945, shortly before the end of the war in Europe, Hildesheim suffered heavy damage in an air attack which destroyed 70 per cent of the town's buildings. Accordingly, the town now has a predominantly modern aspect, with a few islands of tradition here and there in the form of rebuilt and restored historic buildings.
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Butchers' Guild-House
The Butchers' Guild-House (Knochenhauer Amtshaus) was completely rebuilt, true to it's original 16th C design, in the 1980s. It is the highlights of the Markt.
Lappenberg Memorial
On the Lappenberg in Hildesheim, on the site of the Synagogue which was destroyed in 1938, can be seen a cube-shaped marble memorial with bronze reliefs depicting the history of the Jews. Near here is the Kehrwiederturm ("Return Again" Tower; 1465), the only surviving tower from the old fortifications.
Roemer - Pelizaeus Museum
To the west of the Cathedral in Hildesheim, in the square called Am Steine, can be found the Roemer-Pelizaeus Museum, with the most important Egyptological collection in Germany after the Egyptian Museum in Berlin, as well as outstanding collections of natural history and ethnography. The museum has periodic special exhibitions.
Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum Hildesheim
Am Steine 1-2
D-31134 Hildesheim
Germany
Am Steine 1-2
D-31134 Hildesheim
Germany
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
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St Michael's Church
St Michael's Church is one of the most highly regarded Romanesque basilica churches in the country. Note the painted wooden ceiling in the nave.
Church of the Holy Cross
On a terrace to the east of the Cathedral in Hildesheim stands the Heiligkreuzkirche (R.C.). Originally Romanesque, it was remodeled in Baroque style in the 18th C.
Magdalenenkirche
The Magdalenenkirche (13th C.; R.C.) in Hildesheim, to the west of the old town, contains the beautiful Elffen Altar (1520) and the silver reliquary of St Bernward (1751).
Market
In the central area of Hildesheim, which is still surrounded by the old moat, is the Markt, completely restored to its original form from 1983 onwards.
Rosen-Route
The Rosen-Route is a "tourist trail" round Hildesheim, marked by signs in the street paving, and takes in 21 of the principal sights.
Sorsum District
In Hildesheim's western district of Sorsum is the Afrika Manyatta Museum (African folk art; sale of Kenyan craft products).
St Andrew's Church
Southwest of the Markt in Hildesheim, beyond the busy Hoher Weg (pedestrian zone), is Andreasplatz, with the Andreaskirche (Romanesque, with Gothic choir; restored). Nearby, at the corner of Hoher Weg and Schuhstrasse, can be seen a statue (1905) of the "Huckup", a legendary Hildesheim figure who is the incarnation of a bad conscience.
St Godehard's Church
On the south side of Hildesheim's old town is the Godehardikirche (1133-72), one of the best preserved Romanesque churches in Germany, with a beautiful interior (Late Gothic altar of St Benedict, 1518).
St Maurice's Church
On the Moritzberg, to the west of Hildesheim, is St Maurice's Church (St Mauritius; 11th C.), with a well preserved cloister and the tomb of Bishop Hezilo (1054-79).
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