St. Bernward's Church, Hildesheim

St. Bernward's Church is a neo-Romanesque church in Hildesheim featuring a three-nave basilica with a northern apse and a southern tower that echoes the architectural design of Hildesheim Cathedral. The structure combines traditional Romanesque forms with design principles from the early 1900s.

The building was constructed between 1905 and 1907 by architect Richard Herzig and suffered severe damage during World War II bombing in 1945. Reconstruction began in November 1948, with the church rededicated in 1949 by Bishop Joseph Godehard Machens.

The church houses a Gothic altarpiece from 1430 showing various saints and the Coronation of the Virgin, originally from Trinitatishospital. This artwork remains a symbol of artistic continuity across different periods in the city.

The church is easily reached on foot from the city center and sits in a quiet residential area near Hildesheim Cathedral. Keep in mind that like many churches, opening hours can vary, especially outside of service times.

Architect Richard Herzig designed a total of 43 churches in neo-Romanesque style within the Diocese of Hildesheim between 1895 and 1913. This prolific output made him a defining figure in shaping the religious architecture of his era.

Location: Hildesheim

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 52.15690,9.94917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:41