Leipzig

Leipzig is a large city, 150 km southwest of Berlin. It was damaged during WWII, but most monuments have been restored. Leipzig's oldest church, St. Nikolai Church, was built in 1175. In 1989 it gained attention as the starting point for political changes in East Germany. St. Thomas' Church was built in 1212 and used by Johann Sebastian Bach, from 1723 to 1750. His St. Thomas' Boys Choir became very famous. In 1409 the University of Leipzig was founded by lecturers and students from Prague. It is one of the oldest universities in Germany. The Old Town Hall was built in 1556 in less than six months. It is one of the most beautiful Renaissance town halls in Germany. A striking feature is its clock, which also shows the phases of the moon. In 1813 the Battle of Nations took place just outside Leipzig. Napoleon and his troops were defeated and driven out of the city. One hundred years later the Battle of Nations Monument was built on the site. It is 91 m high, making it the tallest memorial in Europe. Russian victims of the battle have their own memorial, the St.-Alexei Church. It was built in 1913.

Accommodation and restaurants are available in Leipzig.