Upended Sugarloaf, Medieval timber-framed house in Hildesheim, Germany
The Upended Sugarloaf is a medieval timber-framed house with an unusual structure in which the upper floors are noticeably wider than the lower levels. The building now serves as a café in central Hildesheim, situated opposite Saint Andrew's Church and near the historic market square.
The house was built in the early 1500s and survived for centuries until it was completely destroyed by bombing in March 1945. After the war, the site remained empty for decades until a major reconstruction project in 2009 restored it to its original form.
The name 'Upended Sugarloaf' refers to its distinctive shape, with wider upper floors that immediately catch the eye of anyone passing by. This design made practical sense in medieval times for gaining extra space, and the resulting form remains visually striking and memorable to visitors today.
Access to the café is straightforward, and its central location makes it easy to find, especially if you know the market square area. Keep in mind that it is an active business, so it is worth checking opening hours before your visit.
During reconstruction, local residents gathered old photographs and drawings to replace the lost original plans. This community effort made it possible to rebuild the structure using traditional craftsmanship and hundreds of wooden pegs to match the medieval construction methods.
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