Excursion tour in Leipzig. Top architecture - monuments, castles, temples and palaces

Any review of the architecture of Leipzig would be incomplete without mentioning New Town Hall, St. Nicholas Church, Gewandhaus, City-Hochhaus Leipzig, Monument of the Russian Glory and many others. The virtual flight over these monuments in HD (the video is on the left), the photo galleries of Leipzig, and the most interesting facts about every sight – we have carefully prepared lots of useful information for you. The overview architecture map of Leipzig at the bottom of the page will help you not to get lost in your sightseeing routes of Leipzig. So, let’s go!

New Town Hall, Leipzig

Location on the map:   Facts:
» In 1897, town authorities intended to open the New Town Hall. The main requirement is that the new building must resemble the former one. So, it was built in eight years.
» Its form is complex. There are three indoor patios (courtyards). The complex occupies 10 thousand m2.
» The opening ceremony was visited by the Saxon King.
» External walls are decorated with sculptures and bas-relief pictures.
» There is a 114-meter tower in the center of the main building.
» The main entrance leads to the aisle between the doors and to the lobby.
» On the ground floor, there is a carved staircase leading to the next floor. The staircase and the fence are decorated with dark marble statues. The rails on turns are rounded.
» The layout of the building is so complex that you can get lost here.
» Meeting and festive ceremonies are held in the big hall. The conference room has not changed. Exhibitions are organized in the galleries. There is a restaurant at the site of the former wine cellar.
» The Town Council meets in the Town Hall. The construction consists of 600 rooms of different size. The New Town Hall is linked with the other administrative buildings by the arched gallery with a port-cochere.
» The New Town House is the biggest office and business building in the world.

St. Nicholas Church, Leipzig

Location on the map:   Facts:
» The church is named after the revered saint.
» In 1452, the bell with the inlay of crucified Jesus surrounded by 4 preachers was constructed here. It not only rang during masses, but also was used as a fire tocsin.
» In 1724, the instrument theatrical piece of Bach was first staged in the church on the day prior to the glorious Day of the Resurrection of Christ. Bach performed his musical composition based on the text from the Gospel of John.
» There is a column resembling a palm in front of the entrance.
» There is also an organ made in 1862 in the church. Organ concerts are often held here.
» Near the church, there is the preserved grave of the famous Roman-Catholic theologian.
» This construction had been already known to people after the news about the gatherings of the citizens near the church. Thousands of Germans with candles held demonstrations that caused the unification of the GDR and the FRG.
» The inner walls are covered with painted landscapes. The cathedral pedestal is decorated with thin carved items. The vault is covered with moldings.
» The church is Lutheran. However, it is not forbidden to hold Catholic liturgies here.
» The fragment of the portal reminds of the first church built here in the 12th century. It was immured under the tower.

Gewandhaus, Leipzig

Location on the map:   Facts:
» In 1763, amateur concerts were held in the commercial building where cloths were sold. This is why it is called Gewandhaus, which means the Cloth Hall.
» There were 16 persons in the orchestra. At one time, the orchestra was conducted by the composer Mendelssohn. Its original creative style was developed and the list of musical compositions performed was broadened at that time.
» The new building was built in 1884. In 3 years, the public performance of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s compositions was made.
» In late 1922, the orchestra was enlarged to 104 persons. It has become world-famous.
» After the building had been damaged during the war in 1945, it was rebuilt and the restored building was divided into two sectors. They accommodate 1 900 and 498 persons correspondingly. The main hall is characterized by excellent acoustics.
» In the Big Hall, the symphony and wind orchestra are joined by participants of the church choir and the band of Gewandhaus. In the rooms, there are even seats for the disabled.
» The orchestra gives 700 concerts during the season. Every year, they are visited by 500 spectators.
» Besides professional concerts, lectures and different receptions are held in the building.

City-Hochhaus Leipzig, Leipzig

Location on the map:   Facts:
» Near the Leipzig Central Railway Station, in the city center, there is Wintergartenstrasse.
» The submitted project was developed by the architectural bureau under the supervision of the famous German architect. The construction of the building in this land was in the city development plans in 1929.
» It was put into operation in 1974. It took five years to build an apartment building. The thirty-storey tower is 95 meters high. It is octagonal.
» At the first two levels, there are social and cultural offices: a snack bar, a sales area, and a milk cafe. Some rooms are rented for offices and some of the premises are spare.
» The third floor is occupied by the kindergarten. The roof of the second floor protrudes in the way that it can serve as a terrace for walks and games. All other floors belong to landlords.
» 208 apartments are equipped with either loggias, or small balconies.
» The outer facade is made of white concrete slabs. It contrasts with bright red enameled protective fences of balconies.
» There is a rectangular trademark at the top. It rotates and glows all the time.

Monument of the Russian Glory, Leipzig

Location on the map:
Facts: » In 1813, European soldiers participated in the battle against Napoleon's army to liberate countries from enslavement.
» Russian and German nationals started to raise funds for the construction of the memorial and memorialize the dead soldiers. The city council allocated the land of 2.5 hectares.
» The first stone was laid in 1912. To celebrate this event, the festive worship of thanksgiving was held. The Russian war minister personally attended it.
» The remains of Russian soldiers passing away during the Battle of the Nations were transferred to the burial chamber.
» During the Second World War, the citizens hid in basements from bombing.
» The domes of the church are covered with gold leaf. The building is 65 meters high. It has white plastered walls with high narrow windows. The roof is covered with glass mosaics. It is crowned with a gilded cross hanging on the chains.
» Above the main entrance, there is a bell tower with an upper dome and 7 bells. They were moulded from shells. Over the entry forget gate, there is the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by flying gilded angels.
» There are 8 lanterns around the monument. They look like funeral candles.
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Plan your own tour over Leipzig on the monuments map

More to see in Leipzig
Strolling through the historic district of the city would give a lot of unforgettable experiences; you will learn a lot about the history of the city. Beautiful Barthels Hof was built in 1523 and served as the fair warehouse. A narrow passage connects the beautiful historic building with a lane where there is an old tavern. It is also among major city attractions. The tavern serves visitors from the early 19th century; many well-known citizens were among its regular clients. A truly unique architectural monument is the Gohliser Schlosschen Castle. Beautiful mansion was built in the mid18th century; today it is open to public access. It is certainly worth to have a stroll through halls of the mansion; they are decorated with antique decor items and incredibly beautiful paintings. Earlier, there was a small village of Golis around the mansion; only one house has managed to preserve to these days. Miniature building located next to the castle is the home of the famous composer Schiller. It was here that he spent the last years of his life and wrote his most striking works. In Leipzig, ruins of ancient fortifications have managed to preserve. The historical region of Delitzsch is situated in suburbs. Here, travelers will be able to see two surviving towers built in 14th-16th centuries, as well as an old gate and a small church. Here there is an old castle, which is now converted into a historical museum. In the city there are a huge number of monuments dating to different … Read further

Tours through neighbours of Leipzig

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