Bernward Column, Bronze column in Hildesheim Cathedral, Germany
Description
The Bernward Column is a bronze column in Hildesheim Cathedral standing about 3.8 meters tall. It is covered with 28 relief scenes arranged in a spiral pattern that depict events from Jesus's life.
History
Bishop Bernward commissioned this bronze column around 1020 for St. Michael's Church, drawing inspiration from Roman imperial columns like Trajan's Column. The column was relocated several times over centuries and now rests in Hildesheim Cathedral.
Culture
The column displays scenes from Jesus's life that visitors can trace in the bronze reliefs today. These biblical stories like the Baptism, the Wedding at Cana, and the Entry into Jerusalem were meant to teach and move people through visual narrative.
Practical
The column is displayed inside Hildesheim Cathedral and can be viewed during a visit. The relief details are best appreciated by walking slowly around the base and looking upward to trace the spiral scenes.
Did you know?
Inside the column runs a steel pole with screw connections that function like a human spine to stabilize the structure. This hidden technical system was engineered nearly a thousand years ago and allowed the tall bronze work to remain stable.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Hildesheim).
Hildesheim Cathedral
1 m
Bernward Doors
57 m
Thousand-year Rose
31 m
St. Andrew's Church
362 m
Huckup
341 m
Hezilo chandelier
56 m
Hildesheim Cathedral Museum
51 m
Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche
269 m
Kaiserhaus
278 m
Azelin chandelier
56 m
Hildesheim cathedral library
124 m
St. Martini
190 m
Kartause Hildesheim
214 m
St. Nicolai's Chapel, Hildesheim
369 m
Bugenhagenbrunnen
313 m
Inkpot Madonna
56 m
Bernward Monument
63 m
Alte Münze
276 m
Rainald-von-Dassel-Denkmal
390 m
Stadtarchiv Hildesheim
224 m
Skulptur des Wortes
378 m
Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum
215 m
St.-Augustinus-Schule
179 m
Wallanlagen
106 m
Freiherr-vom-Stein-Realschule
223 m
Kreuzstraße 22
297 m
Huckup fountain
339 m
Standing woman with bird
347 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes