Leipzig: City of Education and Commerce

Located just 185 km or 115 miles from Berlin, Germany is Leipzig. This is the capital of Saxony and important trade fair city in Central Europe. This city has allot to offer a visitor. Saint Nicholas’ Church is an important church to visit because it was the starting point of the peaceful demonstration in the autumn of 1989. This church is founded in 1213 as a parish according to a city document. The organ in the church is one of the largest in Germany that was built in 1859. It has beautiful ornate colored windows and a stark white interior of the church. 

Leipzig has a unique because its one of the oldest universities in Europe. Leipzig was founded in 1409. It has the tallest building that looks like an open book.  There are two large lakes that have recreational activates opportunities. These lakes are located in the south of the city and also has a theme park called “Belntis”. There was a Napoleon battle just outside of Leipzig and also a memorial site honoring the soldiers that fought in the Battle of Nations. This is called the Volkerschlachtdenkmal Monument and it rises upwards to 91 meters. It was originally a symbol of peace and honoring the dead of the result of the Battle of Leipzig. As the result of the battle, the Russian Memorial Church was build to honor the soldiers of the war. This church has beautiful architecture and elaborate colors decorating the outside.

         Augustus-Platz is a central square is where there are cultural buildings such as opera house, and a concert hall. They are located near the University of Leipzig. The square was completely rebuilt after World War Two. One of the interesting points of interest in the square is a beautiful ornate sculpture fountain called “The Mendebrunnen” it dates back to the 1880’s.

         During the course of the year the city plays host to a number of trade fairs. These include the Leipzig Book Fair, Auto Mobil International and a Model Railroad Fair.

Thought the city there are sporting arenas that have various events taking place during the year. These include ice hockey, soccer, and other conventions that use the sporting facilities. Leipzig put an unsuccessful bid for the 2012 Olympics but it not make the final list of candidate cities. The city was home to classic music composer Johan Sebastian Bach. Leipzig is currently experiencing a renaissance because of the recent economic growth in the region and increases in tourism. The city is experiencing high unemployment but there seems to be future growth in the information technology and service sectors the economy. Every November there is a Christmas Market, which dates back in the 1760’s that is located in front of the old town hall.