The Thousand-Year-Old Rose of Hildesheim

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

By Stefan Schäfer, work

According to legend, the Thousand-Year-Old Rose was discovered in the year 815 by Emperor Louis the Pious. He found a relic of the Virgin Mary in this rosebush and saw it as a divine sign. He therefore decided to build the Cathedral of Our Lady on this very spot. Since then, the rose has grown against this impressive cathedral for over a thousand years, becoming 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 remarkable rose remained intact. After the war, the rose recovered completely and blooms again every year, making it known as a living testament to perseverance.

By Ramessos

St. Mary's Cathedral in Hildesheim attracts many visitors every year who come especially 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 unique, historic roses. Our extensive range includes several old and exclusive rose varieties that will add a touch of history to your garden. Be inspired by the rich history of the Millennial Rose and discover the unique roses in our webshop!