Historic half-timbered quarter

The oldest preserved half-timbered house in Hildesheim was built.

The streets form today's half-timbered quarter.

Construction of the Basilica of St. Godehard began.

Timber-framed houses in Hildesheim

Head to the Godehard district with its historic half-timbered houses and the Basilica of St. Godehard! Exquisite half-timbered architecture, paired with roses climbing the facades, makes Keßlerstraße a real eye-catcher. At the end of the street, where the tinkers once lived, you'll find the Kehrwieder Tower, a remnant of the city's fortifications. Tip: Stroll along the linden-lined Kehrwieder Wall, an old defensive structure, and let the many impressions sink in.

Side view of an alleyway with half-timbered houses in the half-timbered quarter of Hildesheim with the Basilica of St. Godehard in the background at dusk. — © Hildesheim Marketing GmbH, Photo Dagmar Schwelle

View of a narrow alley from the Kehrwiederturm tower with half-timbered houses in the half-timbered quarter in Hildesheim at dusk. — © Hildesheim Marketing GmbH, Photo Dagmar Schwelle

View of a street in the half-timbered quarter of Hildesheim with historic half-timbered houses and colorful facades at dusk. — © Hildesheim Marketing GmbH, Photo Dagmar Schwelle

View of St. Godehard's Basilica from Kehrwiederwall through trees with sunset in the background — © Hildesheim Marketing GmbH, Photo Dagmar Schwelle

Side view of half-timbered houses with colorful wooden beams and garlands in the half-timbered quarter of Hildesheim — © Hildesheim Marketing GmbH, Photo Dagmar Schwelle

Side view of an alleyway with colorful half-timbered houses and blooming rose bushes in the half-timbered quarter of Hildesheim at dusk. — © Hildesheim Marketing GmbH, Photo Clemens Heidrich

traces of the past

Basilica of St. Godehard

Elevated to the status of "basilika minor" by Pope Paul VI in 1963, the church is one of the few Romanesque churches in Germany and has remained almost unchanged in its original form to this day.

Werner House

The listed Renaissance house, dating from 1606, stands out from the surrounding half-timbered houses with its elaborately designed facade. In the 29 painted panels and inscriptions, the builder, cathedral secretary Philipp Werner, expressed his discontent with the conditions of the time.

Waffenschmiedehaus

The gunsmith's house, dating from 1548, is the oldest surviving half-timbered house in Hildesheim. Above the door, the blacksmith who once resided here had a carving of a wheel lock, chain balls, and the year of manufacture installed. Today, it houses the Neisse Local History Museum.

Memorial at
Lappenberg

The memorial stands on the site of the synagogue, which was consecrated on November 8, 1849, and burned down on the night of November 9-10, 1938. The memorial was donated to the city of Hildesheim in 1988 by the Friedrich Weinhagen Foundation and is intended to serve as a reverential reminder of the victims of irreverence and as a warning to us all. It is made of reddish limestone; the Stars of David are made of various types of marble, the one on the west side and the sculptures are made of bronze.

Kehrwiederturm

One of the last remaining old towers of the former city fortifications, rising above the rooftops of the old town. Its name is associated with a charming legend: the sound of its bell is said to have guided a noblewoman, lost in the deep forest, back to the city. Today, the Kehrwieder Tower houses the art association and occasionally holds exhibitions there.

Lodge house

The former cathedral provost's residence was built in 1663 and has housed the Freemasons' Lodge "Gateway to the Temple of Light" since the 18th century. The listed half-timbered building is located on Keßlerstraße in Hildesheim. "Know thyself" is inscribed above the entrance. A small café is located in the gateway.