CultureUNESCO & other cultural sites in the city.

Hildesheim's St. Mary's Assumption Cathedral is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Episcopal churches in Germany - in terms of construction history, it dates back to the 11th century. In 2014, the cathedral was ceremoniously reopened after four and a half years of extensive renovation. The legendary Thousand-Year Rosebush, the symbol of the diocese and the city of Hildesheim, grows on the apse of the cathedral. The legend surrounding the Thousand Year Rosebush goes back to the founding history of the diocese of Hildesheim. For more information about the Episcopal Church and the Thousand Year Rosebush, visit the Hildesheim Cathedral website.

St. Michael's in Hildesheim has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985. The church, built between 1010 and 1022 by Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim, is a key work of medieval art. The ground plan of the double-choir basilica is characterised by strict symmetry. In the central nave, four corner pillars alternate with round pillars coupled in pairs. This alternation of columns was one of the most successful inventions of Ottonian and Romanesque art. St Michael's preserves a significant number of historical and modern furnishings: the painted stucco reliefs of the choir screens (end of the 12th century) and the wide painted wooden ceiling are among the most famous. The church is open all day - visitors are welcome.

Marienburg Castle can be seen from afar on the south-western slope of the Marienberg, some 20 kilometres south of Hanover and 15 kilometres north-west of Hildesheim. The authentically preserved summer residence of the Guelphs, the oldest princely house in Europe, is one of the most important neo-Gothic architectural monuments in Germany. Marienburg Castle was once a gift and token of love from the last Hanoverian king, George V, to his beloved wife, Queen Marie. After the annexation of Hanover by Prussia, the king fled into exile in Austria. After living at the castle for a short time, Queen Marie followed him in 1867 and never saw her "little Eldorado" again. Awakened from a prolonged slumber, Marienburg Castle today continues to enchant visitors with its fairytale appearance. Visitors can stroll through the royal chambers on guided tours of the castle or learn all about the history of the Guelphs in the exhibition "The Road to the Crown". Numerous theatre tours take you back to times long past, open-air events in the romantic inner courtyard delight the audience and the castle restaurant invites you to dine like royalty.