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Leipzig – Where German History was influenced


Take a stroll through the city centre of Leipzig and enjoy the appealing alleys and arcades of Leipzig which make up the charm of the inner city and influence the historic townscape. But Leipzig offers more than "only" nice arcades and famous sights.

It was here where German history was influenced in several aspects.
Read on to find out more about places of interest in Leipzig or excursions to regional destinations which can also be added to your city trip to Leipzig.

Leipzig – City of German History

Leipzig – Place of the Battle of the Nations

A visit to the Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of the Nations) is an absolutely essential part of your city trip to Leipzig. The memorial is a huge temple to death and freedom in Europe. It is dedicated to the Battle of the Nations (also known as Battle of Leipzig) which was fought by the coalition armies of Russia, Prussia, Austria and Sweden against the French army of Napoleon I in 1813. Close to Leipzig the battle took place after Napoleon's retreat from Russia. The Battle of the Nations marked the culmination of the autumn campaign of 1813 and was the largest battle in Europe prior to World War I.

The monument rises 91 metres into the sky and was built on a site near to where Napoleon’s command post stood during the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. 364 steps lead to a viewing platform which gives phenomenal views of Leipzig and the surrounding area. The impressive monument complex with the integrated museum “Forum 1813” covers four hectares and gives spectacular insights into the events of the Battle of Leipzig and its aftermath.

Our special tip: Visit the Asisi Panometer Leipzig and get close to the happenings in 1893. Since August 2013 the Asisi Panometer has been showing the new ''Leipzig 1813 – In the turmoil of the Battle of the Nations'' 360° panorama. The circular painting, which is over 3500m², displays a reconstruction of the architecture of Leipzig and the upheavals resulting from the Battle of the Nations in the year 1813.

Leipzig – "Cradle of the peaceful Revolution"

It was also here in Leipzig where the roots of reunification took hold. The city was the starting point for the events which led to the Peaceful Revolution in 1989. The Peaceful Revolution was a series of peaceful political protests against the regime of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). The protests and demonstrations were a sign of the nonviolent resistance. Today you can visit the original locations like St. Nicholas' Church where - every Monday after the Prayers for Peace - the demonstrations started. They proceeded along Augustusplatz and the central ring road to the headquarters of the secret police (the so called Stasi). The former Stasi headquarters have been turned into the Museum in the "Round Corner", the nickname of the building.

Choir of Thomaner © ltm Brzoska

Musical History of Leipzig

Once you are in Leipzig you should also feel and hear the musical heartbeat of the city! Some important chapters of music history were written in Leipzig. Invite your guests to a musical journey where they can get to know more about Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy or Clara and Robert Schumann. All of them spent time in Leipzig and got their inspiration from the city’s versatility. Furthermore they composed some of their most popular works here.

Johann Sebastian Bach for example was Leipzig's musical director and the choirmaster of St. Thomas Boys Choir between 1723 and 1750. The city has dedicated itself to maintaining Bach's heritage with the Bach Archives, the Bach Museum, the St. Thomas Boys Choir and the Gewandhaus Orchestra.

History of Printing in Leipzig

The invention of printing has a long tradition in Leipzig. In the 19th century Leipzig established itself as the most important city for printing in Germany. About 1500 publishing houses, bookbinderies, graphic designers and printing companies settled in Leipzig and almost every tenth was working in the printing industry. Today Leipzig is well known for its book fair. You can learn more about the history of Leipzig and the printing industry at the Deutsche Buch- und Schriftenmuseum (German Museum of Books and Writing) and at the Museum of the Printing Arts in Leipzig.

Travel tips Leipzig

As you can see Leipzig offers its guests many opportunities to enjoy culture and history. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you plan a city trip to Leipzig. We are happy to provide you with an individual offer for your next city trip to Leipzig according to your preferences.

Find out more about how to get to Leipzig by plane, coach or train.

Credits:
Choir of Thomaner © Leipzig Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Nikolai Church Leipzig © Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH