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LEIPZIG

With an estimated population of 500,000, Leipzig is the largest city in the German federal state of Saxony. It is famous for being an industrial and cultural center, with many to offer to its inhabitants as well as tourists, such as breathtaking scenes, shopping opportunities and busy nightlife. Leipzig also has the nickname of ‘Little Paris’ for being the center of a classical literary movement in the 18th century. Tourists can travel to Leipzig through several methods of their choice – by car, by train or by plane.

One of the must-see in Leipzig is none other than Leipzig Zoo, one of the largest and renowned in Germany. It has a very long tradition and there are several interesting constructions including the new elephants’ enclosure, with a swimming pool where tourists can watch the elephants close up. There is also a monkey house where the monkeys can live freely in their community and an open-plan, safari-style Africa landscape.

Another tourist attraction of ‘Little Paris’ is the Auerbach’s Keller, a pub that has been around since medieval times. Opened in 1525, Auerbach’s Keller is among the oldest pubs that are still operating in Germany. The conditions in the pub are retained to give customers the feeling of being in an ancient pub and the cellar has been a part of a scene in one of Germany’s most famous plays. The rooms are also frequently used as a set for around-the-city re-enactment of the play.

Built in 1556 in the Renaissance style, Leipzig’s Old Town Hall is still one of Germany’s largest and is located in the heart of the city. It is magnificent Renaissance style building with its six gables and a tower. Formally the home of the city administration, today the Town Hall serves as the city museum, housing many important artifacts and drawings, especially the huge Banquetting Hall that has never failed to mesmerize tourists that stepped into it. Hanging on the walls or on the sides of the hall are many fine ancient religious works such as altars, paintings, wood sculptures and many more which were originally from churches which were deconstructed around Leipzig. Tourists can also visit the treasure chamber for a very miniscule fee.

As for the Old City Hall, today it is a home to a museum of city history which possesses the one and only original painting of Bach produced. It is displays interesting information on the public executions in the market in front of the city hall that previously took place. The outside view of the hall is a head-turner, with its interesting Renaissance style, but nothing can be compared to the interior of the Old City Hall. The museum covers the history of Leipzig from the 12th century till this very day and is, by far, one of the must-visit places in the city.
Last but not least, situated in the Leipzig University, Botanical Garden in Leipzig is a property of the Leipzig University and is one of the oldest botanical garden in Germany. It is also rumoured to one of the first botanical garden in the world.
There are many more interesting places in Leipzig that can’t be put into words – you have to be there to witness it yourself, as the saying goes, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’. Words are just not enough to describe to magnificence of Leipzig.