The Thousand-Year Rose of Hildesheim

At Belle Epoque, we not only love beautiful roses but especially roses with a special story. Today, we take you to Hildesheim, Germany, where the oldest living rose bush in the world grows against the wall of the Mariendom: the legendary Thousand-Year Rose (Rosa canina), also known as the dog rose.

By Stefan Schäfer, work

According to legend, the Thousand-Year Rose was discovered in the year 815 by Emperor Louis the Pious. He found a relic of the Holy Virgin Mary in this rose bush and saw it as a heavenly sign. He therefore decided to build the Mariendom exactly at this spot. Since then, the rose has been growing against this impressive cathedral for more than a thousand years, making it a symbol of strength and continuity.

What makes this rose bush extra special is its resilience. During World War II, the cathedral was almost completely destroyed, but despite all the destruction, the roots of this special rose remained intact. After the war, the rose fully recovered and blooms again every year, making it known as the living proof of perseverance.

By Ramessos

The Mariendom in Hildesheim attracts many visitors every year who come specifically to admire this special rose bush. For every rose lover and garden enthusiast, seeing this rose is a unique experience.

At Belle Epoque, we understand the charm of special, historic roses. In our extensive range, you will find various old and exclusive rose varieties with which you can give your own garden a touch of history. Let yourself be inspired by the rich history of the Thousand-Year Rose and discover the unique roses in our webshop!