Leipzig was first documented in 1015 as urbs Libzi (town of lime trees). Its population is almost 600,000 citizens, and it is a major regional centre in Saxony. A major regional centre offers universities, technical colleges, theatres, cinemas, museums, special clinics, big shopping centres, specialist shops and regional authorities as well as a wide range of sports and free time activities.
Present; important facts
- The transport infrastructure is well developed (Leipzig / Halle airport; central station with city-centre tunnel for trains, metros, trams, busses, taxis; city harbour) and will be extended furthermore.
- Here can be found high level financial services providers and big concerns (UniCredit, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, BMW, Porsche, Lufthansa DHL air freight hub).
- The medical facilities are well known beyond borders (e. g. Heart Centre, University Clinic, MEDICA Clinical Centre, Clinical Centre St. Georg).
- The Leipzig cultural life enjoys a good reputation, the classic theatre as well as experimental scenes (Bach Festival, concert hall “Gewandhaus”, theatre “Zentraltheater”, child and youth theatre “Theater der Jungen Welt”).
- The student and scientific life has been deeply rooted in the city’s history since 1409.
- The riverside forest “Auenwald” is connecting as a “green lung“ the south with the northwest of the city.
- The Leipzig lake district develops its cultural and sporting potential with an recreational atmosphere.
- The accommodation possibilities offer the complete range from a villa close to parks and water (Leipzig-Markkleeberg; south) through town houses (Leipzig-Gohlis and surrounding area; north) up to alternative (Leipzig-Connewitz; southeast) or multicultural life style (Leipzig-Volkmarsdorf; east) and (prefabricated) slab construction (Leipzig-Grünau; west).
History; important facts and figures
In 1165 Leipzig was granted the right to hold markets, and therefore it
developed into a world renown centre of trading. It was located at the
crossing of the European trade routes Via Regia and Via Imperii.
The Via Regia (Royal Road) from France to Russia.
The Via Imperii (Imperial Road) runs from Scandinavia to Italy.
Today
the European Magistrales E40 from France to Russia and E55 from
Scandinavia to Italy extend throughout Saxony, similarly like the old
trade routes Via Regia und Via Imperii.
| 1212 | Foundation of the boys choir “Thomanerchor” (St. Thomas Choir of Leipzig) |
| 1212 | Foundation of the St. Georg Hospital, today Clinical Centre |
| 1409 | Foundation of the university, one of the oldest in Europe |
| 1497 | Elevation to “exhibition capital”; 1895 1. samples fair worldwide |
| 1650 | was published the daily newspaper “Einkommende Zeitungen” (one of the oldest newspapers); until 1921 |
| 1618-1648 | Thirty Years’ War, 1631 Battle of Leipzig-Breitenfeld, 1632 Battle of Lützen |
| 1701 | Introducing of the street lighting |
| 1743 | Foundation of the Gewandhaus Orchestra |
| 1813-1815 | Anti-Napoleonic Wars of Liberation, 1813 Battle of the Nations / Battle of Leipzig |
| 1825 | Foundation of the German Booksellers and Publishers Association of Leipzig |
| 1839 | 1. long-distance railway line between Leipzig and Dresden. Leipzig is an important traffic junction in Europe. |
| 1872 | Commission of the tramway |
| 1878 | Opening of the Leipzig Zoo |
| 1900 | Foundation of the German Football Association |
| 1912 | Foundation of German National Library |
| 1913 | Competion of Völkerschlachtdenkmal |
| 1915 | Opening of the main train station, the largest terminus station in Europe |
| 1969 | S-Bahn is opened |
| 1989 | Monday demonstrations, basis for the reunification of Germany 1990 |
| 2013 | Completion city tunnel |
| 2015 | Leipzig celebrates 1000 years of city history |
| 2016 | Awarded honorary title “Reformation City of Europe” by the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe |
More information: www.leipzig.de ; www.leipziger-messe.de ; www.leipzig.ihk.de ; www.zoo-leipzig.de