Sacred art in Hildesheim Cathedral

The Hildesheim cathedral is known for its superb collection of medieval art. There are biblical scenes that are carved on bronze doors. Scenes like the life of Christ and the two grand candelabra.

The cathedral is claimed to be built by the will of the virgin Mary. Legend has it that when Ludwig the pious was hunting out, not to far away from his court at else where he usually said mass. He left some of the relics he was carrying on one of the tree. When he realized that he had forgotten about them, he sent back the imperial chaplain. When this chaplain got here, he found that one of the relics was stuck to the place it was kept on the tree.

When Ludwig heard the news, he felt that it was a sign from god that they should build a church and dedicate it to Mother Mary in that very same place. As it was decided by him that the cathedral of the diocese; should be located on this site rather than the royal court.

The first cathedral to be built on this site was built by bishop Altfried.

Bishop Gotthard rebuilt the west side of the cathedral along with its sacred art; later on bishop Azelin start work on it but after facing structural problems, he abandoned it.

Bishop Hezilo rebuilt the nave of the church. The church during this time had caught up on incorporating the design and sacred art of ‘st. Michaels church’

There have been modifications made so that visitors can visit the tomb of bishop Gotthard. A crypt passage was later added by bishop Bernhard who built a crossing tower at the west end of the cathedral.

In nineteen forty-five, allied forces had bombed the cathedral. The entire north side of the cathedral got destroyed in the fire.

The exterior was later reconstructed just like the earlier version of the structure with its sacred art.

Although the high alter was moved from the east along with the crossing and the choir.

Bernwards door is one of the most remarkable structures in the cathedral. It was one of the first to have sculptor decorated bronze door. The doer was actually commissioned for st. Michaels church but was eventually moved to this place.

One of the most amazing items to be found here are the chronologically arranged stories from the gospel, new testament and then a separate one made for the old testament (book of genesis) as well.

Another addition to the cathedral that was intended for st Michaels church.