Photo: architectural monuments, Hildesheim Cathedral, Lower Saxony

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Hildesheim Cathedral: Legend about a Rosebush

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Hildesheim’s main cathedral,built in the XI century, is considered a unique monument of Romanesque architecturein Lower Saxony. It was built on the ancient IX-century foundations! The cathedralwas rebuilt several times during its long history. In 1945, HildesheimCathedral was seriously injured by air raids. After a thorough restoration in1985, the ancient cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hildesheim Cathedral was included in the UNESCO list not only because ofthe Romanesque architecture, but also thanks to the unique collection of bronzeworks of art. Among them are the XI-century church doors (Bernwardstür) with bas-reliefswith scenes from the Gospels, as well as the cast bronze column (Christussäule)with a bas-relief depicting Christ's miracles, the round chandelier andprecious reliquaries. The Thousand-year Rose (Tausendjähriger Rosenstock) is anotherattraction of these parts, as well as the city's symbol. According to legend, KingLouis the Pious was hunting on the site of Hildesheim Cathedral in 815. He orderedto say a Mass just near a wild rosebush, on which a cross and other religiousrelics were hung. They were unable to remove the relics from the rose after theprayer, which the King believed was a sign of the God’s will. So he had thefirst stone of the future church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, laid at theplace. It is believed that Hildesheim will prosper as long as the thousand-year-oldrosebush blossoms.

Hildesheim Cathedral: Legend about a Rosebush

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