Thomaskirche

Thomaskirche stands in Leipzig as a Lutheran church with late-Gothic architecture and Romanesque foundations. Its choir and crossing preserve traces of a church standing here since at least the twelfth century. The nave took its present form between 1482 and 1496, creating a hall church beneath a steep roof reaching 45 metres. Martin Luther preached here in 1539, while the tower rose to 68 metres after its rebuilding in 1702.

Johann Sebastian Bach served as Thomaskantor from 1723 until 1750 and taught at the affiliated school. His bronze-covered tomb lies in the sanctuary, alongside a baptismal font from 1614 and stained-glass windows depicting Bach and Martin Luther. Wilhelm Sauer’s Romantic organ dates from 1884 to 1889, while a later instrument reflects the type Bach might have played. The Thomanerchor, founded in 1212, continues the church’s musical tradition through its internationally recognised boys’ choir.

Mozart played the organ here in 1789, and Richard Wagner was baptised inside in 1813. A statue of Bach by Carl Seffner stands outside, joined by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s restored monument. Eight bells hang in the tower, including the Gloriosa, cast in 1477 and rung only on special occasions.