St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church at Hildesheim

St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Michael's Church are outstanding examples of Romanesque architecture and exceptional repositories of religious art from the Holy Roman Empire. They exemplify the creative skill of Bishop Bernward and are blessed with a wealth of famous historical art treasures. St. Mary's Cathedral with its triple-naved basilica is one of the oldest episcopal churches in Germany. It is also home to a unique collection of medieval treasures, including the finest bronze castings of the early Middle Ages - the Column of Christ and the Bernward doors. St. Michael's Church is considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture. A 1,000 year old rose tree grows by the apse of St. Mary's Cathedral, Hildesheim's signature attraction. According to legend it is closely linked with the origins of the diocese and the town. The pièce de résistance of the interior is the painted wooden ceiling, an enchanting example of Romanesque monumental painting.