{"id":353960,"date":"2026-07-07T22:10:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T22:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/amsterdam\/walking-in-the-footsteps-of-johann-sebastian-bach-in-leipzig\/"},"modified":"2026-07-07T22:10:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T22:10:14","slug":"walking-in-the-footsteps-of-johann-sebastian-bach-in-leipzig","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=353960","title":{"rendered":"Walking in the Footsteps of Johann Sebastian Bach in Leipzig"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n


\n <\/p>\n

Johann Sebastian Bach lived in Leipzig 300 years ago, but you will still encounter the famous composer on almost every corner of this German city. From monumental statues and the historic churches for which he composed music, to the Bach Archive, his portraits in local museums, and the very locations where he once lived and worked. Even today, Bach remains omnipresent in Leipzig, his music echoing through the streets. From regular concerts organised across the city to classical music playing from the speakers at the main train station, Bach\u2019s timeless compositions provide the perfect soundtrack to your visit.<\/p>\n

Johann Sebastian Bach Locations in Leipzig<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Leipzig<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Born in 1685 into a well-known musical family, Johann Sebastian Bach went on to become its most famous member. He began his musical education as a young boy, dedicating his entire life to it.<\/p>\n

Although he only left Germany once in his lifetime, he was a true traveller at heart. He once walked more than 200 kilometres just to hear a famous musician perform. After working for various courts and churches across Germany, Bach accepted the position of music director in Leipzig in 1723, remaining there until his death in 1750.<\/p>\n

His role was immensely demanding. Appointed as the Thomaskantor<\/em> (the director of church music in the city of Leipzig), he was responsible for the music in four of the city\u2019s major churches. He was also required to teach schoolboys at the St. Thomas School and compose a brand-new piece of choir music every single week.<\/p>\n

Though he is considered one of the greatest composers of all time today, he wasn\u2019t actually the city\u2019s first choice for the job. It was only after Georg Philipp Telemann and Christoph Graupner rejected the offer that Leipzig extended it to Bach. At 38 years old, recently married to his second wife, he arrived to the city with a loud household filled with children.<\/p>\n

\u2937 <\/span>Read more<\/strong>: The Man Behind the Masterpiece \u2013 Johann Sebastian Bach<\/a><\/p>\n

1 \u2013 Start at the Bach Museum<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Thomaskirchhof 15\/16, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Bach<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Organ<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

A great place to begin your search for Bach in Leipzig is the Bach Museum<\/a>. It is located in a beautiful townhouse built during the Baroque period that originally belonged to the Bose family. Because they were close friends of the Bach family, the famous composer was likely a frequent guest. Its striking yellow facade transports you straight back to the late Baroque era, while its tranquil garden offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of wealthy Leipzig citizens during Bach\u2019s time.<\/p>\n

A look at his extensive family tree displayed at the museum reveals just how deeply music was engraved into his genes. I especially loved seeing the authentic period instruments and the interactive exhibits, which allow you to listen to their unique sounds and understand how they shaped Bach\u2019s compositions.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Model<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Bach<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Naturally, a big section of the museum focuses on Bach\u2019s career in Leipzig. While he is celebrated today purely for his music, an essential part of his daily job was teaching Latin and music at the St. Thomas School. As Thomaskantor<\/em>, he lived with his family at the St. Thomas boarding school, occasionally taking overnight shifts to supervise the boys. With his large family, the small apartment grew cramped and noisy. It was hardly the ideal environment for concentration, yet his creativity flourished nonetheless. It is so interesting to dive deeper into that part of his musical career at the museum.<\/p>\n

The museum also houses one of the earliest original painted portraits of Johann Sebastian Bach. In the museum\u2019s Treasure Room you can see rare artefacts from his life. From original manuscript fragments and documents to historical prints and drawings, these treasures bring you face-to-face with the legendary composer.<\/p>\n

\u2937 <\/span>TIP<\/strong>: The museum shares its space with the Bach Archive, making it a great stop if you want to research more into his work.<\/p>\n

2 \u2013 The Statue of J. S. Bach in Leipzig<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Thomaskirchhof 12, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Bach<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Symbolically erected in a small square right between the Bach Museum, St. Thomas Church, and the former site of the St. Thomas School, this statue is a place you shouldn\u2019t miss during your search for locations linked to Bach in Leipzig. Bach spent a big portion of his daily life right here. Standing in this spot, it is easy to imagine the composer rushing past to oversee the condition of the musical instruments in one of Leipzig\u2019s churches.<\/p>\n

The statue was made by Carl Seffner in 1908, in the Baroque revival style to highlight the time when the famous composer lived. It depicts Bach standing proudly in front of an organ, holding a rolled musical score in his right hand. On the back of the organ, you will find a bas-relief of the old St. Thomas School building, which was demolished six years before the statue was unveiled.<\/p>\n

\u2937 <\/span>Read more<\/strong>: Things to Do in Leipzig \u2013 Germany\u2019s City of Music<\/a><\/p>\n

3 \u2013 St. Thomas Church<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Thomaskirchhof 18, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"St<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche<\/em>) is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about Bach\u2019s life in Leipzig and the history of Western classical music in general.<\/p>\n

A church has stood on this site since at least the 13th century, though today\u2019s structure is predominantly Gothic. Especially interesting is the vaulted ceiling with ribs painted in red. During the Reformation, the church converted and remained a Lutheran house of worship today.<\/p>\n

The church has a strong link to music. Since 1212, St. Thomas Choir<\/strong> of Leipzig (Thomanerchor<\/em>), one of the oldest and most prestigious boys\u2019 choirs in Germany, has performed here. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played the church organ during one of his European tours in 1789. Richard Wagner was baptised here in 1813, later studying under one of the Thomaskantors<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The church\u2019s interior had much more of the Baroque decoration during Bach\u2019s time. However, these were removed during the Gothic revival in the late 19th century.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Stained<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Bach<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Stained-glass windows<\/strong> were added after 1889, and you can easily recognise Johann Sebastian Bach depicted in one of them. The window directly adjacent honours a person who was also quiet important to Bach: Martin Luther. Though they lived two centuries apart, there would be no Bach without Luther.<\/p>\n

Martin Luther preached here in 1539, making it a pivotal moment that led to Leipzig embracing the Reformation. The Bach family was deeply devout, and Luther\u2019s teachings heavily influenced the composer. Luther revolutionised the liturgy not only by introducing the German language (instead of Latin) but also because he made music an important part of the Lutheran liturgy. From that point on, church cantors held an important role. As a deeply religious man, Bach used his cantatas and sacred music to express both his profound faith and his musical genius.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Bach's<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"St.<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

When he passed away in 1750, Bach was originally buried at St. John\u2019s Church in Leipzig. During the renovations in 1894, his grave was discovered and identified. After St. John\u2019s Church was destroyed by bombings during World War II, his remains were safely transferred to a newly designed Bach\u2019s grave<\/strong> in the sanctuary of St. Thomas Church in 1950.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Bach<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Bach<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

The church also hosts a tiny exhibition dedicated to Bach<\/strong> and church music, located in the old sacristy near the entrance closest to the sanctuary. Here, you can see historic books, documents, and instruments that were used during Bach\u2019s lifetime.<\/p>\n

\u2937 <\/span>TIP<\/strong>: The absolute best way to experience Bach\u2019s enduring spirit inside St. Thomas Church in Leipzig is by attending some of the live musical performances (read more about them later in the article<\/em>).<\/p>\n

4 \u2013 The Old Bach Monument<\/h3>\n

Addres<\/strong>s: Dittrichring, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"The<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

The statue mentioned above isn\u2019t the only one dedicated to the composer you\u2019ll find in this German town. Just a few steps away, nestled in a quiet green space, stands the Old Bach Monument. Erected in 1843, this is not only the oldest monument to Bach in Leipzig, but the very first dedicated to him anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n

The monument was gifted by another famous musician linked to Leipzig, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, who was the director of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra at that time. In many ways, we owe Bach\u2019s modern fame to Mendelssohn, who famously revived interest in the composer after Bach\u2019s work had fallen into relative obscurity. Mendelssohn conducted a series of concerts between 1840 and 1843, using the proceeds to fund the monument and covering the remaining costs from his own private fortune.<\/p>\n

\u2937 <\/span>TIP<\/strong>: In the same park, directly opposite the Old Bach Monument, you will find a statue dedicated to Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy himself.<\/p>\n

5 \u2013 Leipzig City History Museum<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Rathaus Markt 1 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\"Old<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Town<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Historical<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Located on the bustling Markt Square, Leipzig\u2019s Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus<\/em>) was built in the mid-16th century in the Renaissance style<\/a>. Bach likely walked past its grand facade almost every day. We also know for a fact that he stepped inside of it because it was in the Council Chamber here that he signed his official employment certificate as Thomaskantor<\/em> in 1723. You can still visit that historic room today and see the very table where he set to sign the document.<\/p>\n

Today, the Old Town Hall houses the Leipzig City History Museum<\/a>. Its permanent collection chronicles the story of Leipzig from the Middle Ages onward, offering fantastic context on what the city looked like during the 18th century and introducing you to Bach\u2019s contemporaries.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Table<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Bach<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Don\u2019t miss the stunning Ceremonial Hall, which is home to an incredible large-scale model of Leipzig as it looked in 1823. Anyone interested in the life of Johann Sebastian Bach in Leipzig should visit a small room entirely dedicated to the maestro. It contains the only known authentic portrait of J. S. Bach painted during his lifetime, created by Elias Gottlob Haussmann. Nearly every other portrait you see today is a copy of this single masterpiece.<\/p>\n

6 \u2013 St. Nicholas Church<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Nikolaikirchhof 3, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"St.<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche<\/em>) is the largest church in Leipzig. It\u2019s construction began in the Romanesque style in the 12th century, evolving over time into Gothic style with some Baroque additions. The interior is utterly unique, famous for its Classicist columns designed to look like stylised palm trees.<\/p>\n

This church is also closely tied to Johann Sebastian Bach in Leipzig. Despite its size and importance, St. Nicholas Church never appointed its own independent music director and organist. Instead, the Thomaskantor<\/em> was tasked with managing its music program as well. Consequently, Bach directed the music here between 1723 and 1750, choosing this venue to premiere many of his most significant works, including his legendary St. John Passion<\/em> on Good Friday in 1724.<\/p>\n

\u2937 <\/span>Read more<\/strong>: 20 Most Iconic Churches in Europe<\/a><\/p>\n

7 \u2013 St. Matthew Church Monument<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Matth\u00e4ikirchhof, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"St<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

During his tenure in Leipzig, Bach was responsible for coordinating the music in four main city\u2019s churches: St. Thomas, St. Nicholas, St. Peter, and the New St. Matthew Church.<\/p>\n

Originally established as a Franciscan Church in 1488, St. Matthew served as a Lutheran parish from 1699. In Bach\u2019s day, it was simply known as the New Church (Neukirche<\/em>) before being renamed St. Matthew in 1876. Tragically, the building was completely destroyed during Allied bombing raids in 1943.<\/p>\n

Even though the church used to had its own musical director, the Thomaskantor<\/em> oversaw the music program since 1723, making J. S. Bach responsible for it for almost three decades. While the first two choirs of the Thomanerchor<\/em> sang at St. Thomas and St. Nicholas churches, the third choir was stationed here. The building itself is gone, but a dedicated monument marks its historic location in Leipzig today.<\/p>\n

8 \u2013 Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Kleine Fleischergasse 4, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Zum<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Zum<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Zum<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Zum<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum<\/em><\/a> is one of the oldest continuously operating coffee houses in Europe, serving guests since 1711. During the early 18th century, Europeans became entirely obsessed with coffee and chocolate, and this cafe was one of the first places in Leipzig to indulge in the trend.<\/p>\n

The beautifully restored historical interior breathes life into the past. It is easy to imagine well-known figures from art, music, literature, and politics sipping coffee in these very rooms. While Bach wasn\u2019t one of them, he was highly amused by the local \u201ccoffee craze,\u201d which inspired his Coffee Cantata<\/em>, one of his few non-religious pieces.<\/p>\n

Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum<\/em> was restored and reopened in 2025. After enjoying a slice of cake and a cup of coffee, head to the upper floors to explore a nice museum dedicated to coffee culture. It\u2019s free to enter and it offers a glimpse into daily life in Leipzig during Bach\u2019s time.<\/p>\n

9 \u2013 GRASSI Museum of Musical Instruments<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Johannisplatz 5-11, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Violens<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Violens<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

To truly immerse myself in the history of music, I spent some time exploring the GRASSI Museum. With its collection of around 10,000 pieces, it\u2019s one of the largest musical instrument museums in Europe. It\u2019s especially interesting for its collection of instruments from the Renaissance and Baroque time, and the exhibition dedicated to musical instruments during the Bach\u2019s time in Leipzig.<\/p>\n

\u2937 <\/span>Read more<\/strong>: 15 Best Museums to Visit in Europe<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to Listen Bach\u2019s Music in Leipzig Today<\/h2>\n

Bach\u2019s music doesn\u2019t belong to the past, It is still alive and regularly performed in Leipzig. During my two trips to this beautiful city, I attended several musical performances and they immersed me so much more into the Leipzig\u2019s musical heritage.<\/p>\n

Gewandhaus Concert Hall<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Augustusplatz 8, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Gewandhaus<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Gewandhaus Orchestra\u2019s history goes all the way back to 1479, when the city of Leipzig appointed three musicians to play for public events. The orchestra itself was established in 1743 while Bach was living in the city. After that, they\u2019ve got the part of the textile merchants\u2019 trading house to use as a concert hall which gave the name to the orchestra (Gewand<\/em> means garment or robe in German).<\/p>\n

The modern Neues Gewandhaus<\/em> opened its doors in 1981. Although, it remains the main venue to hear the world-renowned Gewandhaus Orchestra today, you can also hear them performing in the Opera House and St. Thomas Church.<\/p>\n

\u2937 <\/span>TIP<\/strong>: Check what\u2019s on and get your tickets for the Gewandhaus Orchestra performance during your visit to Leipzig via this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Leipzig Opera House<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Augustusplatz 12, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Leipzig<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Located just across the square from the Gewandhaus, you\u2019ll find another musical venue in Leipzig, its Opera House. Its performance history goes back to 1693. The venue does not host an independent orchestra. Instead, the Gewandhaus Orchestra acts as its resident ansamble. The current modernist Opera House opened in 1960.<\/p>\n

\u2937 <\/span>TIP<\/strong>: Take a look at the current seasonal program and get your opera tickets at this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Musical Performances at St. Thomas Church<\/h3>\n

Address<\/strong>: Thomaskirchhof 18, 04109 Leipzig<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Concert<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Another iconic place to listen to classical music (and the one closely linked to J. S. Bach in Leipzig) is St. Thomas Church. Every Friday at 6 pm and Saturday at 3 pm, you can listen to the legendary St. Thomas Choir perform historic motets and cantatas. The church also hosts special concert events throughout the year. You can see the full agenda at St. Thomas Church here<\/a> and all the St. Thomas Choir performances on this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Annual Bachfest in Leipzig<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Bachfest<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

If you want the ultimate Bach experience, plan your visit around Bachfest, which takes place every year in June. Over the course of ten days, the entire city comes alive with numerous classical concerts, lectures, and special walking tours. I attended the festival in 2026 and fell completely in love with how it brings the composer\u2019s world to life. From exploring the exact locations he frequented to hearing his masterworks echo through historic architecture of Leipzig, it was absolutely unforgettable.<\/p>\n

\u2937 <\/span>TIP<\/strong>: Check out this link to learn more about the upcoming 2027 Bach Fest<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tips for visiting Leipzig<\/h2>\n

Where to Stay in Leipzig<\/h3>\n