Treasures

Experts speak of liturgical axes that correspond to the church structure. The main axis stretches from West to East. It begins with the bronze Bernward’s Door. The organ is installed above that.

The axis continues with the Roman baptismal font and the Hezilo chandelier that is hanging in the central nave. The altar, the ambo, the Thietmar chandelier and the Irminsul with the new rock crystal cross complete the axis in the chancel.

A further axis runs underneath this with the crypt. Here are located the foundation reliquary of the Diocese of Hildesheim, the miraculous image of the Mother of God, the shrine of Gotthard and the new Bishop’s tomb with the burial niches of the deceased bishops of Hildesheim, Joseph Godehard Machens, Heinrich Maria Janssen and Dr. Josef Homeyer (reburial from St. Gotthard on the 2nd of November 2014).

The main altar of the internationally recognised artist Ulrich Rückriem is located directly above the shrine of Gotthard in the crypt.

The shrine of Epiphanius that contains the relics of the Cathedral patrons finds its place in the wall niche in the northern transept above the Cecilian chapel.

The Bernward column stands in the southern nave.

The Inkpot Madonna (Tintenfassmadonna) that was created in 1430 is located at the left pillar of the chancel. Additional priceless exhibits have found their place in the Gothic side chapel with its groined vault.