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Leipzig

Culture of Leipzig. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Strolling through the historic district of the city would give a lot of unforgettable experiences; you will learn a lot about the history of the city. Beautiful Barthels Hof was built in 1523 and served as the fair warehouse. A narrow passage connects the beautiful historic building with a lane where there is an old tavern. It is also among major city attractions. The tavern serves visitors from the early 19th century; many well-known citizens were among its regular clients.
Discovering the architecture of Leipzig from bird's eye view! St. Thomas Church, Monument to the Battle of the Nations, Leipzig Opera, Old Town Hall, Grassi Museum, all those monuments are defining the image of Leipzig … Open
A truly unique architectural monument is the Gohliser Schlosschen Castle. Beautiful mansion was built in the mid18th century; today it is open to public access. It is certainly worth to have a stroll through halls of the mansion; they are decorated with antique decor items and incredibly beautiful paintings. Earlier, there was a small village of Golis around the mansion; only one house has managed to preserve to these days. Miniature building located next to the castle is the home of the famous composer Schiller. It was here that he spent the last years of his life and wrote his most striking works.
In Leipzig, ruins of ancient fortifications have managed to preserve. The historical region of Delitzsch is situated in suburbs. Here, travelers will be able to see two surviving towers built in 14th-16th centuries, as well as an old gate and a small church. Here there is an old castle, which is now converted into a historical museum. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
New Town Hall, St. Nicholas Church, Gewandhaus, City-Hochhaus Leipzig, as well as many others, they all become the world's cultural heritage objects and remain as iconic monuments for Leipzig … Open
In the city there are a huge number of monuments dating to different epochs. Each of them reminds of an important event. Battle of the Nations Monument was erected in honor of the anniversary of the defeat of Napoleon's army. It is the biggest monument in Europe - the height of the monument is 91 meters. Top of it is equipped with a large viewing platform from which you can admire panorama of the city.
Rathaus Leipzig As for the cultural institutions, the undisputed leader in the number of visits remains the Antique Museum. Priceless artifacts stored within its walls belong to the era of ancient Greece and Rome. Fans of art will be interested in visiting the Museum of Art. Its collection consists of paintings of the 15th century; the museum also has an interesting collection of sculptures of a later period.
Leipzig is a city in Germany that is located on the bank of the Weisse Elster River. The population of the city estimates 503 thousands of inhabitants. Leipzig is also the location of the … Open
When traveling to Leipzig, don't forget to visit Karl-Heine-Kanal - one of the most picturesque places in the German city. Here you can take a stroll admiring the views all around. Especially those looking for a secluded place will like it here. However, the latter would also be interested in walking along Alter Johannisfriedhof where the atmosphere of serenity reigns. Among the graves, one can find the graves of several famous Germans. Although the cemetery was destroyed during the Second World War, the gravestones are still admirable, as it was restored afterward almost immediately.
Neues Rathaus in Leipzig The first landmark many tourists explore while in Leipzig is Das Alte Rathaus that presently houses a historical museum. The building dates back to the 14th century, however, it acquired its current appearance in the 17th century. The building served as a Town Hall until the early 20th century, after which the municipality moved to a new one (Das Neue Rathaus). Compared with the latter, the old Town Hall is somewhat smaller but no less remarkable. As for the new Town Hall, it's worth mentioning that it occupies almost an entire quarter and rises high above the city and thus draws general attention. Tourists immediately see: it is here that they want to spend time going around the magnificent building and peering into every detail of it.
The main children’s landmark in Leipzig is the zoo. It is quite large and houses animals from all over the world. Here you can watch koalas and giraffes, stroll through the exotic … Open
The hometown of Wagner and Bach boasts many interesting and unique museums. One of them is the Panometer, which hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to various subjects. For example, here one can see firsthand how the Titanic might look at the bottom of the ocean, or explore the Great Barrier Reef. A full immersion into the atmosphere is achieved thanks to lighting effects and appropriate music, which is another attractive feature of the place. The Kunstkraftwerk is an interesting museum for connoisseurs of contemporary art, and for those wishing to get to know the history of World War II, the Museum im Stasi-Bunker is a must-have.
Leipzig opera house The Museum für Völkerkunde stands out among other cultural institutions. Here, tourists have an excellent opportunity to get acquainted not only with local but also with other cultures. Its exhibits include household items, jewelry, and artifacts of different peoples, lots of stuffed animals, as well as musical instruments on which representatives of different cultures play. One of the most interesting museums in town is the Kriminalmuseum des Mittelalters. Among the exhibits are medieval instruments of torture. Of course, it should be taken into account that too impressionable people may find this place shocking. Everyone else will be able to learn more about the era they are interested in.
Leipzig offers its guests to visit attractive restaurants and cafes; interesting eating places can be found at every turn. In the center of the city there is a national cuisine restaurant … Open
Universität Leipzig is attractive not only for future students dreaming of entering a prestigious university - tourists are equally interested in the beautiful architecture of the educational institution. It was founded in 1409, and throughout its existence, several innovative ideas have been put forward here: thus, it was originally established as an educational institution where the ideas of the Hussite movement were promoted. Sometimes, out of habit, the university is called the Karl Marx University, since it bore the German economist's name during the period of the GDR. By the way, to get acquainted with the history of that time, head to Zeitgeschichtliches Forum.
One more thing to do while in Leipzig is visiting one of the beautiful theatrical performances that take place at the Opernhaus. Walking around Leipzig's historic Old Town, one can find a building with an amazing facade attracting tourist attention from the first glance. This is about Romanus Haus, a vivid example of Saxon Baroque architecture. Rich stucco molding, a statue of Hermes - all this catches the eye immediately. The mansion was built in the 18th century and once belonged to the burgomaster Franz Conrad Romanus who, because of the inability to maintain the house, had to forge several royal bills, after which spent the rest of his life in prison.
Leipzig is a regular venue for one of the youngest and most unusual events - the Festival of Gothic culture, Wave-Gotik-Treffen. It is the largest event of its kind; each year it attracts … Open
Leipzig was home to many famous people whose houses are now converted into museums. Connoisseurs of classical music would be especially pleased since Leipzig was the town of residence of the three great composers: Felix Mendelssohn (Mendelssohn-Haus), Johann Sebastian Bach (Bach Museum), Robert Schumann (Schumann-Haus). Those who want to see a magnificent example of Gothic architecture should never pass by Peterskirche. Besides its main purpose, the church also serves as a concert hall, which is possible thanks to its excellent acoustics. The church was built in 1882 on the site of an older one, which in turn was erected in 1507. An interesting fact is that it is the city's tallest church visible from almost all streets of Leipzig.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Leipzig and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Leipzig and surroundings

Plan your own excursion through Leipzig: churches, museums and castles

St. Thomas Church, Leipzig

» Sebastian Bach composed in St. Thomas Church. He devoted 27 years of his life to it. The organ the composer used and his personal notes have been preserved. His ashes are kept in the stone box under the church.
» The House of God is also famous for the Boys’ Choir. It was conducted by eminent composers.
» There had been an old church before (in 1222). This is evidenced by the remains of the destroyed building found during excavations.
» At the church, there is the religious commune of monks of St. Augustine Order. His remains are resting here. The musician brought them from India. The church was blessed in 1496.
» The building had been repeatedly rebuilt over the centuries. In the Renaissance, the octagonal tower was constructed.
» 1539 was marked by sermons of the activist of the church reformation, Martin Luther King.
» The room is 76 meters long. The dome is 18 meters high and made of bars that form a cross.
» The unusual roof is tilted, which makes it the coolest gable roof in Germany.
» The alabaster font is faced with marble. Its surface is decorated with paintings of Biblical events. The pictures on stained glass windows remind of eminent historical figures.

St. Nicholas Church, Leipzig

» The church is named after the revered saint.
» In 1452, the bell with the inlay of crucified Jesus surrounded by 4 preachers was constructed here. It not only rang during masses, but also was used as a fire tocsin.
» In 1724, the instrument theatrical piece of Bach was first staged in the church on the day prior to the glorious Day of the Resurrection of Christ. Bach performed his musical composition based on the text from the Gospel of John.
» There is a column resembling a palm in front of the entrance.
» There is also an organ made in 1862 in the church. Organ concerts are often held here.
» Near the church, there is the preserved grave of the famous Roman-Catholic theologian.
» This construction had been already known to people after the news about the gatherings of the citizens near the church. Thousands of Germans with candles held demonstrations that caused the unification of the GDR and the FRG.
» The inner walls are covered with painted landscapes. The cathedral pedestal is decorated with thin carved items. The vault is covered with moldings.
» The church is Lutheran. However, it is not forbidden to hold Catholic liturgies here.
» The fragment of the portal reminds of the first church built here in the 12th century. It was immured under the tower.

Monument of the Russian Glory, Leipzig

Location on the map:   Facts: » In 1813, European soldiers participated in the battle against Napoleon's army to liberate countries from enslavement.
» Russian and German nationals started to raise funds for the construction of the memorial and memorialize the dead soldiers. The city council allocated the land of 2.5 hectares.
» The first stone was laid in 1912. To celebrate this event, the festive worship of thanksgiving was held. The Russian war minister personally attended it.
» The remains of Russian soldiers passing away during the Battle of the Nations were transferred to the burial chamber.
» During the Second World War, the citizens hid in basements from bombing.
» The domes of the church are covered with gold leaf. The building is 65 meters high. It has white plastered walls with high narrow windows. The roof is covered with glass mosaics. It is crowned with a gilded cross hanging on the chains.
» Above the main entrance, there is a bell tower with an upper dome and 7 bells. They were moulded from shells. Over the entry forget gate, there is the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by flying gilded angels.
» There are 8 lanterns around the monument. They look like funeral candles.

Monument to the Battle of the Nations, Leipzig

» 100 years had passed since the legendary battle in 1813 when several countries united to counter Napoleon. The complex memorial to soldiers killed in battle was built in honor of this event.
» The monument is 100 meters high. It is situated in the center of the place where that significant battle took place. There is the Lake of Tears.
» The impressive construction was built at the expense of the Masonic lodge. The memorial had been built for 15 years.
» 65 piles were hammered in the foundation. To reach the observation platform, you need to go up 500 steps. The pedestal weighs 300 000 tons. Over 26 000 stone blocks were used to build the monument. It is concrete and faced with granite. Near it, there is the sculpture of Archangel Michael.
» On the roof, there are 12 sculptures of knights putting down their weapons. They symbolize the guards of freedom.
» The monument is reflected in the rectangular pond called the Lake of Tears. Near it, there is the stone, on which the French Emperor located his command post. You can enter the Hall of Fame through the lower entrance.
» 120 thousand soldiers died on the battlefield.
» The inner space is secured by guards. Behind them, you can see masks, the symbol of our remembrance, on the walls.

Grassi Museum, Leipzig

Location on the map:   Facts: » Museums of ethnography, music instruments, and fine arts are situated in the Grassi Museum complex. That was the name of the benefactor and art connoisseur. Constructions for the museum were made on his donations.
» The architectural ensemble consists of several two- and three-storey buildings with a common courtyard. It was built in 1929.
» The collection of the Ethnography Museum is based on Gustav Klemm’s exhibits. Now, it consists over 200 000 household and folk craft items collected from all over the world.
» The Museum of Fine Arts houses 90 000 items of different epochs and nations. These are ceramic, textile, glass and metal items, pieces of furniture and numismatics. There is also a graphic collection, the collection of writings and pictures, and a library. The library houses prints of great historical value and old writings.
» Everything connected with music is kept in the Museum of Musical Instruments. There are over 10 thousands of them. The oldest instrument dates back to the 16th century. There is a special room where you can play some instruments.
» In 1981, the heating system failed, which had suspended the activity of the museum for four years.
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Leipzig

Thomaskirche
Where: Thomaskirchhof 18, Leipzig; Telephone: +49 (0)341 222 24 200;
The Bach Museum
Where: Thomaskirchhof 15-16, Leipzig; Telephone: +49 (0)341 9137 0;
The Museum In Der Runden Ecke
Where: Dittrichring 24, Leipzig; Telephone: +49 (0)341 961 24 43; Opening hours: daily from 10.00 to 18.00;
Leipzig Zoo
Where: Pfaffendorfer Straße 29, Leipzig; Telephone: +49 (0)3415933385;
The Museum Der Bildenden Kuenste
Where: Katharinenstrasse 10,, Leipzig; Telephone: +49 (0)341 216 990;
Altes Rathaus
Where: Markt 1, Leipzig;
Voelkerschlachtdenkmal
Where: Prager Straße, Leipzig; Telephone: +49 (0)341 2416870;
Russian Memorial Church St Alexej
Where: Philipp Rosenthal Strasse, Leipzig;
Reference information
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Leipzig and around
♥   Art museum 'Museum der bildenden Künste' Leipzig, 0.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Museum für angewandte Kunst' Leipzig, 1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Leipzig
♥   Dom SS. Peter und Paul, Naumburg, 45.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Schloßkirche, Wittenberg, 60.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Stadtkirche Sankt Marien, Wittenberg, 61 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Leipzig

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Photogallery of cultural heritage of Leipzig

Landmarks of culture on Leipzig map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

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Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Leipzig

Culture guide to Leipzig. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Leipzig: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Leipzig. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
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