Leipzig is an historic city and most populous city in Saxony, Germany. The city is a playground for the young nomadic’s who have been displaced by the fast-gentrifying German capital, but it's also a city of enormous history, a trade-fair mecca and solidly in the sights of music lovers due to its intrinsic connection to the lives and work of Bach, Mendelssohn and Wagner. Leipzig – The German City you never really think of visiting but absolutely should!
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.ZEITGESCHICHTLICHES FORUM
The Zeitgeschichtliches Forum focus on the history of Germany since 1949 – beginning when Germany was split in two following World War II. It starts when the Berlin Wall was build until reunification in 1989, and continues until the present day. The Palace of Tears centers on life in the Soviet section with East German opposition to the one-party regime, it pays particular attention to everyday life under Soviet domination. The 3200 items in the permanent exhibition as well as another 200 000 items detailed personal experiences of the history of the German Democratic Republic.
2.MUSEUM IN DER RUNDEN ECKE
Previously for forty years the building served as the offices of the East German secret police. The outside of the curved building belies what’s inside. The museum is devoted to disguises, surveillance equipment, torture equipment and propaganda the Stasi used to control and manipulate citizens. Before the Stasi could destroy everything a group of citizens wrested control, and saved what is on display today. Al the displays are in German but audio guides in English are available.
3.VOLKERSCHLACHTDENKMAL
The massive monument commemorates the defeat of Napoleon in October 1813 Battle of the Nations. The nearly 300 feet tall with 500 steps monument was built for the 100th anniversary of the battle in 1913. The concrete and stone monument stands where some of the battle’s bloodiest fighting took place. Statues of soldiers killed surround the first floor. There’s a viewing platform at the top.
4.MARKET SQUARE
Centuries ago knights played games on the Market Square. The historic museum was built in 1509 (previously Old City Hall). The grand ballroom is used for concerts. Some of the other old building surrounding the square house restaurants and shops. Christmas, Easter as well as other festivals is celebrated on the Market Square. On Tuesdays and Thursday it is farmers markets when farmers sell beautifully arranged fresh produce and bouquets of flowers. You can get food for a picnic to enjoy in one of cities many parks.
5.ST THOMAS CHURCH
St. Thomas was founded in the 12th century and is famous for its Thomanerchor, a boy’s choir that has been in existence since 1212. Also great composers like Richard Wagner, Johann Sebastian Bach, Mozart and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy played here. This late Gothic Lutheran church has an important music and religious history. Bach served as its music director and is buried here, while Martin Luther preached from the pulpit in1539. The current building dates to 1496, with a tower and chapels added over the centuries. Gothic paintings can be found inside.
6.MADLER PASSAGE
The basement wine bar was built in 1529. Over the centuries the buildings were restored, until today it is a huge shopping complex. The decorative complex has lots of ambiance and the statuary and opportunity to experience it all draws visitors to the complex. The glass-covered complex also includes restaurants and offices.
7.BACH MUSEUM
The museum is dedicated to Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the greatest composers 300 years ago. Located in a house across from where he once lived you can explore his music and life. It features a “treasure room” containing Bach’s original manuscripts. Visitors can listen to audio recording of his greatest pieces in a special room.
8.ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH
The 12th century church has been a Romanesque, Gothic and now Baroque church. Its graceful white interior columns soar to the ceiling; the Luther Pulpit, so named because it existed in Martin Luther’s time, can be found in the north chapel where the first Lutheran service took place. The interior of this church evokes elegance, serenity and peace. In more recent times, the church became the starting site of the Monday Demonstrations, peaceful demonstrations that eventually led to the reunification of Germany in 1989.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- City-Hochhaus
- Panometer
- Leipzog Zoo
- New Town Hall
- Monument to the Battle of the Nations
- Altes Rathaus
- Museum der Bildenden Kunste
- Leipzig Museum of Applied Arts
- Old Exchange
- Mendelssohn-Haus
- Museum of Musical Instruments of Leipzig University
- Gohlis Palace
- Schillerhaus
- Agyptisches Museum
- Galerie fur Zeitgenossische Kunste
- Kriminalmuseum Leipzig
- Sachsisches Apothekenmuseum
- N’Ostalgie Museum
- G2 Kunsthalle
- Mumseum of Antiquities
Public transportation is widely considered the best method of getting around Leipzig. The public transportation system there consists of an extensive network of trams, light rail trains and buses.
Leipzig has a moderateclimate which makes it possible to travel around the city throughout the year. Although the winters can get somewhat cold, but the average winter temperature rarely drops below the freezing point. The best time to visit Leipzig is during the summers.
