The oldest rose in the world

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 against the wall of the St. Mary's Cathedral grows the oldest living rose bush in the world: the legendary Thousand-Year Rose (Rosa canina), also known as the dog rose.

Door 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. Therefore, he decided to build the Mariacathedral 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 devastation, the roots of this special rose remained intact. After the war, the rose fully recovered and blooms again each year, making it known as the living proof of perseverance.

Door Ramessos

The Mariakathedraal in Hildesheim attracts many visitors each 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, historical roses. In our extensive range, you will find various old and exclusive rose varieties that can give your own garden a touch of history. Let yourself be inspired by the rich history of the Millennium Rose and discover the unique roses in our webshop!