St. Thomas Church

Leipzig, Germany

St. Thomas Church is associated with a number of well-known composers such as Richard Wagner and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, but mostly with Johann Sebastian Bach who worked here as a Kapellmeister (music director) from 1723 until his death in 1750. Today, the church also holds his remains. Martin Luther preached here in 1539.

There has been a church at the current site of the Thomaskirche at least since the 12th century. Foundations of a Romanesque building have been discovered in the choir and crossing of the current church. Between 1212 and 1222 the earlier structure became the church of the new St. Thomas Monastery (Stift) of the Augustinian order.

The current building was consecrated by Thilo of Trotha, the Bishop of Merseburg, on 10 April 1496. The reformer Martin Luther preached here on Pentecost Sunday in 1539. The monastic buildings were demolished in 1541 following the monastery's dissolution. The current church tower was first built in 1537 and rebuilt in 1702. Chapels added in the 17th century and an ante-building along the northern front of the nave with two stairways were removed at the end of the 19th century.

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Details

Founded: 1496
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Habsburg Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Saodat Khaitova (3 months ago)
Quite large church from outside. Could not make it inside due to the service. But enjoyed learning that Bach's museum and statue is nearby. There are concerts conducted in the Church. The square behind the church is decorated with Christmas lights.
Enrico Becker (3 months ago)
Great church definitely worse a visit if you in Leipzig. So much history there and so a beautiful interior.
Michael Mack (6 months ago)
A beautiful church in the center of Leipzig. It is also where Bach is buried. Very interesting history and worth a visit while in Leipzig. €1 entrance cost per person.
CYC (8 months ago)
Where Bach is buried. I also attended an organ concert on Saturday. Need to buy tickets online in advance although there was tickets sold there too.i am not sure the concert played music of Bach but it's good to enjoy the music in this setting.
Saitika Ghosh (9 months ago)
I absolutely enjoyed the melodious music , the peace and quiet… perfect for visiting in the evening. It’s opened till 6 and the orchestra started around 5:15 pm . The inside of the church also has a memorial for St. Bach . Must visit for the music when in Leipzig
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