St. Mary's Cathedral

The origins of Hildesheim Cathedral date back to 815, when a chapel dedicated to Mary was built after the diocese of Hildesheim was founded. Bishop Gunthar later had a Cecilia Basilica constructed, which served as the first cathedral. In 872, under Bishop Altfrid, a three-aisled basilica with a cruciform plan and a westwork was built. After fire damage in 1046, the cathedral was rebuilt on its old foundations under Bishop Hezilo. Structural changes followed until the 14th century, including Gothic side chapels. The cathedral suffered destruction during World War II and had to be rebuilt in a simplified form and reconsecrated between 1950 and 1960. A renovation from 2010 to 2014 restored the original floor level and returned artworks to their places.