Johann Sebastian Bach lived in Leipzig 300 years in the past, however you’ll nonetheless encounter the well-known composer on virtually each nook of this German metropolis. From monumental statues and the historic church buildings for which he composed music, to the Bach Archive, his portraits in native museums, and the very places the place he as soon as lived and labored. Even in the present day, Bach stays omnipresent in Leipzig, his music echoing by the streets. From common concert events organised throughout the town to classical music enjoying from the audio system on the principal practice station, Bach’s timeless compositions present the proper soundtrack to your go to.
Johann Sebastian Bach Places in Leipzig
Born in 1685 into a widely known musical household, Johann Sebastian Bach went on to grow to be its most well-known member. He started his musical schooling as a younger boy, dedicating his complete life to it.
Though he solely left Germany as soon as in his lifetime, he was a real traveller at coronary heart. He as soon as walked greater than 200 kilometres simply to listen to a well-known musician carry out. After working for varied courts and church buildings throughout Germany, Bach accepted the place of music director in Leipzig in 1723, remaining there till his dying in 1750.
His position was immensely demanding. Appointed because the Thomaskantor (the director of church music within the metropolis of Leipzig), he was accountable for the music in 4 of the town’s main church buildings. He was additionally required to show schoolboys on the St. Thomas College and compose a brand-new piece of choir music each single week.
Although he’s thought-about one of many biggest composers of all time in the present day, he wasn’t truly the town’s first selection for the job. It was solely after Georg Philipp Telemann and Christoph Graupner rejected the provide that Leipzig prolonged it to Bach. At 38 years previous, not too long ago married to his second spouse, he arrived to the town with a loud family full of youngsters.
⤷ Learn extra: The Man Behind the Masterpiece – Johann Sebastian Bach
1 – Begin on the Bach Museum
Tackle: Thomaskirchhof 15/16, 04109 Leipzig
An incredible place to start your seek for Bach in Leipzig is the Bach Museum. It’s positioned in a lovely townhouse constructed throughout the Baroque interval that initially belonged to the Bose household. As a result of they have been shut buddies of the Bach household, the well-known composer was doubtless a frequent visitor. Its hanging yellow facade transports you straight again to the late Baroque period, whereas its tranquil backyard gives a glimpse into the approach to life of rich Leipzig residents throughout Bach’s time.
A have a look at his intensive household tree displayed on the museum reveals simply how deeply music was engraved into his genes. I particularly liked seeing the genuine interval devices and the interactive displays, which let you hearken to their distinctive sounds and perceive how they formed Bach’s compositions.
Naturally, a giant part of the museum focuses on Bach’s profession in Leipzig. Whereas he’s celebrated in the present day purely for his music, an important a part of his every day job was educating Latin and music on the St. Thomas College. As Thomaskantor, he lived together with his household on the St. Thomas boarding faculty, often taking in a single day shifts to oversee the boys. Along with his giant household, the small house grew cramped and noisy. It was hardly the perfect surroundings for focus, but his creativity flourished nonetheless. It’s so attention-grabbing to dive deeper into that a part of his musical profession on the museum.
The museum additionally homes one of many earliest unique painted portraits of Johann Sebastian Bach. Within the museum’s Treasure Room you possibly can see uncommon artefacts from his life. From unique manuscript fragments and paperwork to historic prints and drawings, these treasures carry you face-to-face with the legendary composer.
⤷ TIP: The museum shares its house with the Bach Archive, making it an awesome cease if you wish to analysis extra into his work.
2 – The Statue of J. S. Bach in Leipzig
Tackle: Thomaskirchhof 12, 04109 Leipzig
Symbolically erected in a small sq. proper between the Bach Museum, St. Thomas Church, and the previous web site of the St. Thomas College, this statue is a spot you shouldn’t miss throughout your seek for places linked to Bach in Leipzig. Bach spent a giant portion of his every day life proper right here. Standing on this spot, it’s simple to think about the composer dashing previous to supervise the situation of the musical devices in considered one of Leipzig’s church buildings.
The statue was made by Carl Seffner in 1908, within the Baroque revival fashion to focus on the time when the well-known composer lived. It depicts Bach standing proudly in entrance of an organ, holding a rolled musical rating in his proper hand. On the again of the organ, you will see a bas-relief of the previous St. Thomas College constructing, which was demolished six years earlier than the statue was unveiled.
⤷ Learn extra: Issues to Do in Leipzig – Germany’s Metropolis of Music
3 – St. Thomas Church
Tackle: Thomaskirchhof 18, 04109 Leipzig
St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) is an absolute must-visit for anybody concerned with studying extra about Bach’s life in Leipzig and the historical past of Western classical music on the whole.
A church has stood on this web site since a minimum of the thirteenth century, although in the present day’s construction is predominantly Gothic. Particularly attention-grabbing is the vaulted ceiling with ribs painted in purple. Throughout the Reformation, the church transformed and remained a Lutheran home of worship in the present day.
The church has a powerful hyperlink to music. Since 1212, St. Thomas Choir of Leipzig (Thomanerchor), one of many oldest and most prestigious boys’ choirs in Germany, has carried out right here. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed the church organ throughout considered one of his European excursions in 1789. Richard Wagner was baptised right here in 1813, later finding out beneath one of many Thomaskantors.
The church’s inside had rather more of the Baroque ornament throughout Bach’s time. Nevertheless, these have been eliminated throughout the Gothic revival within the late nineteenth century.
Stained-glass home windows have been added after 1889, and you’ll simply recognise Johann Sebastian Bach depicted in considered one of them. The window straight adjoining honours an individual who was additionally quiet vital to Bach: Martin Luther. Although they lived two centuries aside, there could be no Bach with out Luther.
Martin Luther preached right here in 1539, making it a pivotal second that led to Leipzig embracing the Reformation. The Bach household was deeply religious, and Luther’s teachings closely influenced the composer. Luther revolutionised the liturgy not solely by introducing the German language (as an alternative of Latin) but additionally as a result of he made music an vital a part of the Lutheran liturgy. From that time on, church cantors held an vital position. As a deeply non secular man, Bach used his cantatas and sacred music to specific each his profound religion and his musical genius.
When he handed away in 1750, Bach was initially buried at St. John’s Church in Leipzig. Throughout the renovations in 1894, his grave was found and recognized. After St. John’s Church was destroyed by bombings throughout World Conflict II, his stays have been safely transferred to a newly designed Bach’s grave within the sanctuary of St. Thomas Church in 1950.
The church additionally hosts a tiny exhibition devoted to Bach and church music, positioned within the previous vestry close to the doorway closest to the sanctuary. Right here, you possibly can see historic books, paperwork, and devices that have been used throughout Bach’s lifetime.
⤷ TIP: The very best approach to expertise Bach’s enduring spirit inside St. Thomas Church in Leipzig is by attending among the reside musical performances (learn extra about them later within the article).
4 – The Previous Bach Monument
Address: Dittrichring, 04109 Leipzig
The statue talked about above isn’t the one one devoted to the composer you’ll discover on this German city. Only a few steps away, nestled in a quiet inexperienced house, stands the Previous Bach Monument. Erected in 1843, this isn’t solely the oldest monument to Bach in Leipzig, however the very first devoted to him wherever on the earth.
The monument was gifted by one other well-known musician linked to Leipzig, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, who was the director of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra at the moment. In some ways, we owe Bach’s trendy fame to Mendelssohn, who famously revived curiosity within the composer after Bach’s work had fallen into relative obscurity. Mendelssohn performed a collection of concert events between 1840 and 1843, utilizing the proceeds to fund the monument and overlaying the remaining prices from his personal personal fortune.
⤷ TIP: In the identical park, straight reverse the Previous Bach Monument, you will see a statue devoted to Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy himself.
5 – Leipzig Metropolis Historical past Museum
Tackle: Rathaus Markt 1 04109 Leipzig
Situated on the bustling Markt Sq., Leipzig’s Previous City Corridor (Altes Rathaus) was constructed within the mid-Sixteenth century within the Renaissance fashion. Bach doubtless walked previous its grand facade virtually day by day. We additionally know for a undeniable fact that he stepped within it as a result of it was within the Council Chamber right here that he signed his official employment certificates as Thomaskantor in 1723. You’ll be able to nonetheless go to that historic room in the present day and see the very desk the place he set to signal the doc.
In the present day, the Previous City Corridor homes the Leipzig Metropolis Historical past Museum. Its everlasting assortment chronicles the story of Leipzig from the Center Ages onward, providing unbelievable context on what the town appeared like throughout the 18th century and introducing you to Bach’s contemporaries.
Don’t miss the gorgeous Ceremonial Corridor, which is dwelling to an unbelievable large-scale mannequin of Leipzig because it appeared in 1823. Anybody within the lifetime of Johann Sebastian Bach in Leipzig ought to go to a small room solely devoted to the maestro. It accommodates the one recognized genuine portrait of J. S. Bach painted throughout his lifetime, created by Elias Gottlob Haussmann. Almost each different portrait you see in the present day is a replica of this single masterpiece.
6 – St. Nicholas Church
Tackle: Nikolaikirchhof 3, 04109 Leipzig
St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) is the most important church in Leipzig. It’s development started within the Romanesque fashion within the twelfth century, evolving over time into Gothic fashion with some Baroque additions. The inside is completely distinctive, well-known for its Classicist columns designed to appear to be stylised palm timber.
This church can be carefully tied to Johann Sebastian Bach in Leipzig. Regardless of its dimension and significance, St. Nicholas Church by no means appointed its personal unbiased music director and organist. As a substitute, the Thomaskantor was tasked with managing its music program as nicely. Consequently, Bach directed the music right here between 1723 and 1750, selecting this venue to premiere a lot of his most vital works, together with his legendary St. John Ardour on Good Friday in 1724.
⤷ Learn extra: 20 Most Iconic Church buildings in Europe
7 – St. Matthew Church Monument
Tackle: Matthäikirchhof, 04109 Leipzig
Throughout his tenure in Leipzig, Bach was accountable for coordinating the music in 4 principal metropolis’s church buildings: St. Thomas, St. Nicholas, St. Peter, and the New St. Matthew Church.
Initially established as a Franciscan Church in 1488, St. Matthew served as a Lutheran parish from 1699. In Bach’s day, it was merely referred to as the New Church (Neukirche) earlier than being renamed St. Matthew in 1876. Tragically, the constructing was utterly destroyed throughout Allied bombing raids in 1943.
Although the church used to had its personal musical director, the Thomaskantor oversaw the music program since 1723, making J. S. Bach accountable for it for nearly three a long time. Whereas the primary two choirs of the Thomanerchor sang at St. Thomas and St. Nicholas church buildings, the third choir was stationed right here. The constructing itself is gone, however a devoted monument marks its historic location in Leipzig in the present day.
8 – Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum
Tackle: Kleine Fleischergasse 4, 04109 Leipzig
Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum is without doubt one of the oldest constantly working espresso homes in Europe, serving company since 1711. Throughout the early 18th century, Europeans grew to become solely obsessive about espresso and chocolate, and this cafe was one of many first locations in Leipzig to indulge within the pattern.
The superbly restored historic inside breathes life into the previous. It’s simple to think about well-known figures from artwork, music, literature, and politics sipping espresso in these very rooms. Whereas Bach wasn’t considered one of them, he was extremely amused by the native “espresso craze,” which impressed his Espresso Cantata, considered one of his few non-religious items.
Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum was restored and reopened in 2025. After having fun with a slice of cake and a cup of espresso, head to the higher flooring to discover a pleasant museum devoted to espresso tradition. It’s free to enter and it gives a glimpse into every day life in Leipzig throughout Bach’s time.
9 – GRASSI Museum of Musical Devices
Tackle: Johannisplatz 5-11, 04109 Leipzig
To really immerse myself within the historical past of music, I spent a while exploring the GRASSI Museum. With its assortment of round 10,000 items, it’s one of many largest musical instrument museums in Europe. It’s particularly attention-grabbing for its assortment of devices from the Renaissance and Baroque time, and the exhibition devoted to musical devices throughout the Bach’s time in Leipzig.
⤷ Learn extra: 15 Finest Museums to Go to in Europe
The place to Hear Bach’s Music in Leipzig In the present day
Bach’s music doesn’t belong to the previous, It’s nonetheless alive and recurrently carried out in Leipzig. Throughout my two journeys to this lovely metropolis, I attended a number of musical performances they usually immersed me a lot extra into the Leipzig’s musical heritage.
Gewandhaus Live performance Corridor
Tackle: Augustusplatz 8, 04109 Leipzig
Gewandhaus Orchestra’s historical past goes all the way in which again to 1479, when the town of Leipzig appointed three musicians to play for public occasions. The orchestra itself was established in 1743 whereas Bach was residing within the metropolis. After that, they’ve received the a part of the textile retailers’ buying and selling home to make use of as a live performance corridor which gave the title to the orchestra (Gewand means garment or gown in German).
The fashionable Neues Gewandhaus opened its doorways in 1981. Though, it stays the primary venue to listen to the world-renowned Gewandhaus Orchestra in the present day, you may also hear them performing within the Opera Home and St. Thomas Church.
⤷ TIP: Verify what’s on and get your tickets for the Gewandhaus Orchestra efficiency throughout your go to to Leipzig by way of this hyperlink.
Leipzig Opera Home
Tackle: Augustusplatz 12, 04109 Leipzig
Situated simply throughout the sq. from the Gewandhaus, you’ll discover one other musical venue in Leipzig, its Opera Home. Its efficiency historical past goes again to 1693. The venue doesn’t host an unbiased orchestra. As a substitute, the Gewandhaus Orchestra acts as its resident ansamble. The present modernist Opera Home opened in 1960.
⤷ TIP: Check out the present seasonal program and get your opera tickets at this hyperlink.
Musical Performances at St. Thomas Church
Tackle: Thomaskirchhof 18, 04109 Leipzig
One other iconic place to hearken to classical music (and the one carefully linked to J. S. Bach in Leipzig) is St. Thomas Church. Each Friday at 6 pm and Saturday at 3 pm, you possibly can hearken to the legendary St. Thomas Choir carry out historic motets and cantatas. The church additionally hosts particular live performance occasions all year long. You’ll be able to see the full agenda at St. Thomas Church right here and all of the St. Thomas Choir performances on this hyperlink.
The Annual Bachfest in Leipzig
If you’d like the last word Bach expertise, plan your go to round Bachfest, which takes place yearly in June. Over the course of ten days, the complete metropolis comes alive with quite a few classical concert events, lectures, and particular strolling excursions. I attended the pageant in 2026 and fell utterly in love with the way it brings the composer’s world to life. From exploring the precise places he frequented to listening to his masterworks echo by historic structure of Leipzig, it was completely unforgettable.
⤷ TIP: Take a look at this hyperlink to study extra in regards to the upcoming 2027 Bach Fest.
Suggestions for visiting Leipzig
The place to Keep in Leipzig
- IntercityHotel Leipzig: Throughout my most up-to-date go to, I stayed right here and liked it! Intercity Lodge Leipzig may be very conveniently positioned within the metropolis centre and only a brief stroll from the primary practice station (excellent if you’re arriving by rail).
- Leipzig Marriott Lodge: On a earlier journey, I stayed on the Marriott and had an exquisite expertise, as nicely. You’ll be able to learn my full Leipzig Marriott Lodge assessment right here.
The place to Eat in Leipzig
One of the vital shocking issues about Leipzig’s culinary scene is its abundance of unbelievable Vietnamese eating places. The town has a deep historic connection to Vietnam, and each single spot I attempted was completely scrumptious!
- Dankbar Kaffee: An absolute should go to for a superbly ready breakfast in a shocking, historic former meat store. Test it out right here!
- Café Bigoti: A captivating, cosy spot that’s excellent for a relaxed brunch. And it’s positioned proper subsequent to St. Thomas Church. Test it out right here!
- Panorama Tower Restaurant: Good spot for dinner! Situated on the highest ground, it combines scrumptious meals with an exquisite, 360 diploma view of Leipzig. Test it out right here!
The place to Store & Discover Distinctive Souvenirs in Leipzig
Leipzig is dwelling to many cute outlets promoting native merchandise or sustainable trend manufacturers.
- Mädler Passage: This historic arcade is dwelling to many good outlets, lovely structure, and an exquisite historic ambiance.
- Lipsi Klub: I received a advice for this store throughout my final go to and completely liked it. They showcase merchandise made by unbiased artists and designers, starting from distinctive jewelry and clothes to lovely posters and ceramics. Take a look at their Instagram profile right here.
The place to purchase chocolate in Leipzig
- Goldhelm Schokoladen: Whereas it doesn’t have a direct connection to Bach (in addition to each being masters of their crafts), pay a go to to the Goldhelm Schokoladen store throughout your go to to Leipzig. It’s a beautiful, small artisanal chocolate store full of scrumptious, handcrafted treats. What makes them additional particular is the attractive illustrations on their packaging, making every bar a tiny murals.
- Bachtaler at Kandler: If you wish to get a chocolate that will likely be on theme together with your go to to Leipzig impressed by Bach, get a Bachtaler at Kandler. It’s Leipzig’s reply to the well-known Mozartkugel.
Get Leipzig Card
- With the Leipzig card, you should utilize public transport freed from cost. It additionally gives free entrance or reductions to Leipzig museums, eating places and metropolis excursions. I had it throughout my keep in Leipzig and made a very good use of it. Learn extra in regards to the Leipzig card and all the advantages on this hyperlink.
Johann Sebastian Bach is carefully linked to Leipzig and his heritage remains to be seen on each nook of that historic metropolis. I hope that this information will encourage you to discover it in Bach’s footsteps.
Have you ever been to Leipzig or have seen any of those places? Let me know within the feedback!
I visited Leipzig on a press journey organised by the Leipzig Tourism Board in June 2026. This text is part of the marketing campaign “ARTISTS & Their Cities” held by Tradition Vacationer in 2026 and 2027. Many because of them and their companions for arranging an exquisite go to for me. Nevertheless, as all the time all opinions are my very own.
