Leipzig. Second city of former East Germany, Leipzig led the way to peaceful revolution in late 1989 with mass street demonstrations. A focal point of resistance to the Communist regime was the Nikolaikirche, one of a number of historic buildings within the Ring, the boulevard marking the limit of the old town. Since the Middle Ages, Leipzig has been known for its trade fairs, a tradition which continued even during the Communist period. As a result, Leipzig retains its commercial vitality today, as well as a strong cultural heritage. Bach, Mendelssohn, Schuhmann, and Wagner all worked here, and the city's orchestras are renowned. Goethe fans will enjoy a visit to Auerbach's Cellar, the scene of Mephistophelean trickery in his play Faust.
Leipzig's old town hall, a long, low building with windowed gables, is a fine example of early renaissance civic architecture. Designed in 1556 by Hieronymous Lotter, a Leipzig architect and burgomaster, it now houses the City Historical Museum. The first-floor Festive Hall has elaborate chimneypieces and full-length portraits of Saxon electors and Leipzig mayors. The composer Mendelssohn's life is commemorated in a room of memorabilia, and other aspects of local history are also covered.
|
