Leipzig - Thomaskirche

Even before Leipzig was first mentioned in a document in 1015, a Slavic settlement existed here. The city was founded in 1165 when Margrave Otto the Rich of Meissen granted city and market rights to the city at the intersection of the Via Regia and the Via Imperii.

Leipzig was in the Margraviate of Meissen, which became part of the Electorate of Saxony in 1439. Leipzig then belonged to the Duchy of Saxony, whose capital was chosen to be Dresden, which had been insignificant compared to Leipzig or Meissen. Leipzig was often the place where the state parliament met, but Leipzig was never a residence city or a bishop's seat and has always been shaped by the urban bourgeoisie.

The University of Leipzig was founded in 1409 as "Alma Mater Lipsiensis" and was thus one of the three oldest universities in Germany. After being elevated to the status of "Reichsmessestadt" (imperial trade fair city) in 1497 and an extension of the staple right by the future Emperor Maximilian I, Leipzig became a trade fair city of European standing. It developed into the most important German trading center for the exchange of goods between Eastern and Western Europe. Alongside London, the Leipziger Brühl became the international trade center for the fur industry, and the important role played by the Leipzig Jewish community was closely linked to it.

In 1539, the Reformation was finally introduced in Leipzig by Luther and Justus Jonas. Over decades, the development of Leipzig was characterized above all by the constantly improving living conditions. As a trading and trade fair city of increasing importance, Leipzig benefited from the wealthy Leipzig merchant class.

The Thirty Years' War was a severe cut in the prosperous development of the city. Between 1631 and 1642 the city was besieged five times, from 1642 to 1650 it was occupied by the Swedes.

The "Völkerschlacht" (Battle of Leipzig) near Leipzig took place in 1813. In this battle, the allied armies of Austria, Prussia, Russia and Sweden defeated Napoleon's troops and their allies which ultimately led to Napoleon's banishment to the island of Elba.

During WWII there were frequent air raids on the city, which led to considerable destruction of the city center.

In 1989, the Monday demonstrations that started at the Nikolaikirche helped herald the end of the GDR. With the occupation of the district administration for state security by demonstrators on December 4, 1989, state surveillance measures ended in Leipzig.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) is regarded as one of the best-known, most prolific and most important musicians of all. He is often regarded, especially by musicians, as the greatest composer in music history. He is the most prominent representative of the Bach family of musicians and is today

In his main creative period, he was Thomaskantor and music director in Leipzig. In his main creative period, he was Thomaskantor and music director in Leipzig. As a Thomaskantor Bach was required to instruct the students of the Thomasschule in singing and provide church music for the main churches in Leipzig. A cantata was required for the church services on Sundays and additional church holidays during the liturgical year.

The Thomaskirche in Leipzig is known as the place where Johann Sebastian Bach and the Thomanerchor worked.

The foundations of a Romanesque church were unearthed during archaeological excavations.

The Thomanerchor was founded in 1212 and is one of the oldest boys' choirs in Germany. Around 1355 the Romanesque chancel was rebuilt.

Towards the end of the 15th century, Leipzig became extremely prosperous thanks to silver discoveries in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains). This made it possible to afford to rebuild the Leipzig churches within about 40 years. So the old nave was demolished in 1482 and rebuilt in the shape that is largely in place today. The church was reconsecrated in 1496. Over the centuries it has undergone several additions and conversions; the most important is the 68 m high tower, the lowest floor of which dates back to before 1355 and which received the octagonal top in the 14th century. In 1537 the upper part of the tower was rebuilt.

The choir and the flower-decorated tomb of Johann Sebastian Bach.