History of Leipzig

The city of Leipzig dates back to 1015, although it was not given city and market privileges until 1165. It significantly shaped the history of Saxony, and of Germany, and has always been highly regarded as a place of commerce. The Leipzig Trade Fair first started in the Middle Ages and has since become an event of international importance.

Centre of German culture

The University of Leipzig was founded in 1409, which soon after, led to the city’s development into a centre of German law and publishing. The Supreme Court was constructed, followed by the German National Library. Johann Sebastian Bach worked at the St Thomas Lutheran church in Leipzig from 1723 to 1750, and Richard Wagner was born in the city in 1813. The Trade Fair and the university were vital to Leipzig’s growth and the city soon became a hub for the German and Saxon liberal movements as well as for cultural activities.

In 1813, Leipzig was the scene of the infamous Battle of the Nations. In 1913, a monument, the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, celebrating the hundred year anniversary of this event, was finalised.

Kristallnacht and Allied bombing

On the night of 9 November 1938, now known as Kristallnacht, Nazis in Leipzig destroyed Jewish synagogues and other establishments. Much of the culture was lost on this night and further bombings by the Allies destroyed much of the city. The city was captured by the Allies in April 1945 and was later surrendered to the Communists, who made it one of the major cities of the German Democratic Republic, or East Germany.

The end of the Berlin Wall

In 1989, Leipzig found itself at the heart of one of the most memorable events of the latter part of the 20th century. After prayers for peace at the Nikolai Church, thousands of protesters began what is now known as the Monday demonstrations and peacefully protested against the East German regime. These events culminated in the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reuniting of East and West Germany.

Present day

Today, Leipzig is a popular tourist destination and was officially named as the cheapest place to travel to in Europe. The city is awash with culture and sees numerous annual events take place, centred on the culture and history of this fascinating place. Leipzig has grown in popularity since the 2006 World Cup, as five matches were held here and thousands of tourists walked through its gates.