The Thietmar chandelier
The Thietmar chandelier is the oldest of the remaining four medieval chandeliers in Germany. According to tradition, it was donated by Bishop Thietmar (1038 to 1044).
The impressive Thietmar chandelier was since incorrectly attributed to his successor Bishop Azelin (1044 to 1054), which is why it is known also known as the Azelin chandelier. The Romanesque chandelier symbolises the holy city of Jerusalem, like the Hezilo chandelier, whose design was based on it and which is two times larger. The Thietmar chandelier survived the great fire of 1046 in Hildesheim Cathedral. However, for centuries, its details were constantly changed, including a complete renovation in 1400.
During the Second World War, the Thietmar chandelier was massively damaged and was therefore fundamentally restored between1982 and 1989.
The chandelier was in the choir crossing until 1942. Following the reconstruction of the Cathedral and St. Antonius Church, it decorated the latter until 2010. Following the renovations, it returned to the altar area of the restored Cathedral.