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About Leipzig

Leipzig – Music, Exhibitions and Books

Skyline of Leipzig with townhall at sunset, Germany

Music, museums, economy, business and books are only some key words to describe Leipzig. Your journey will guide every visitor to the “Thomaskirche”, where the famous “Thomanerchor” has its seeds and where Johann Sebastian Bach worked for 27 years as cantor. His grave is in the chancel of the church. The city dedicated a museum to him which is opposite the church.
Other touristic attractions are the Sunday concerts in the Medelssohn-House or the events in the “Opern- und Gewandhaus”. In both houses you can see the “Leipziger Gewandhausorchester”, which is more than 250 years old.

Leipzig was already one of the biggest centers for business and commerce in the world in the 7th century. The Sorbs called the city “Lipzk”, which means city near the two lindens. In 1165 they received the municipal law and the privileges to do business. 332 years later, in 1497, Maximillian I awarded Leipzig the exhibition privilege. Since that time Leipzig is an exhibition town with European esteem. 

panoramic skyline of Leipzig with townhall and high court at sunset, Germany

Due to this fact the big book exhibitions, which takes place in Leipzig once a year, complete the repertoire of the city´s calendar of events. In 2011, 163,000 people visited this exhibition. Because of the business in the 7th century Leipzig was named “Bücherstadt”, the city of the books. In 1481 the first book was printed there.

You can feel how life is pulsating in Leipzig. Tradition versus modern lifestyle, a successful economy versus innovation. In the last years the city exploded into a metropolis, which is waiting for you!

Welcome to Leipzig!

© Leipzig Tourist Service e.V.