Leipzig is a rich historical city filled with many wonderful sights and attractions, many but not all of them relating to its favorite son, Johannes Sebastian Bach.
Thomaskirche (St. Thomas’s Church)
This Leipzig sight is famous not only for its former cantor, the world-renowned composer J.S. Bach (whose sarcophagus may be seen inside), but also for its beloved St. Thomas’s Choir. And that’s not all!
Richard Wagner was baptized in this church, while Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once played the organ here during a church ceremony. If that weren’t enough, the Reformation leader Martin Luther used to give speeches in this very spot.
You simply cannot come to Leipzig and not visit this beautiful and important place.
Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Battle of Leipzig Monument)
This Leipzig sight is a memorial for the 120,000 victims of the Battle of Leipzig, which was fought against Napoleon in 1813. Today it is considered a monument for peace in Europe.
At over 90 m high (295 ft), the Battle of Leipzig Monument is Germany’s largest memorial. You can view exhibitions on the Battle on the grounds here, and sometimes there are musical or other artistic performances.
Old Town Hall
This structure is a lovely example of German Renaissance architecture. The Old Town Hall was erected practically overnight; it took only nine months to complete its construction. It is situated in the Market Square a.k.a. Marktplatz, the cultural heart of the city, and now houses the City Museum of Leipzig.
St. Alexei’s Russian Memorial Church
This Leipzig sight seems more at home in Moscow or St. Petersburg. But the St. Alexei’s Russian Memorial Church is another monument to the Battle of Leipzig dedicated to the 20,000 Russian soldiers who perished during the fight.
Built in 1913 for the 100-year anniversary, today it is used as both a museum and a functioning church for Russian Orthodox worshipers.
Bach Statue
As such a famous personage of the city, your trip here wouldn’t be complete without a photo op by the statue of Bach, in front of St. Thomas’s Church. In the summer, you may be treated to a concert of Bach’s music just next to his statue.
Nikolai Church
The Nikolai Church, THE monument representing Time of Change, was the place where the pieceful Monday demonstrations that took place in 1989, which advanced to the German reunification. You find the Nikolaikirche in Nikolaikirchhof 3 — two minutes east of Old Town Hall or five minutes south of the main train station (Hauptbahnhof).
