A challenging new quiz is testing residents' knowledge of the ornate architectural faces that adorn building facades throughout the German city of Hildesheim. The expert-level quiz asks participants to identify not only the decorative heads carved into various buildings, but also pinpoint their exact locations within the historic city.
Hildesheim boasts numerous elaborately decorated facades featuring artistic representations of historical figures, religious icons, and other ornamental faces. However, many residents walk through the city daily without noticing these architectural treasures watching over them from above. The quiz challenges people to pay closer attention to their urban environment and test their familiarity with these often-overlooked artistic details.
One particularly intriguing example featured in the quiz shows a bishop carved into a building facade. While viewers can clearly identify the figure as a religious leader, the challenge lies in determining which specific bishop is depicted and, more importantly, locating the exact street where this carved face can be found in Hildesheim.
Local resident Guido Fuchs has dedicated significant effort to documenting these architectural personalities scattered throughout the city. Fuchs has compiled the stories and histories behind many of these facade faces into a comprehensive book titled "Hildesheimer Köpfe" (Hildesheim Faces). His research helps preserve the cultural significance and historical context of these often-forgotten artistic elements that contribute to the city's architectural character.
The quiz serves as both entertainment and education, encouraging residents and visitors to explore Hildesheim with more observant eyes. By challenging people to identify and locate these decorative faces, the initiative aims to foster greater appreciation for the city's rich architectural heritage and the artistic craftsmanship embedded in its historic buildings.
