Leipzig - Sightseeings & Informations

Leipzig is the most populous city in the German state of Saxony. With a population of over 600,000 inhabitants it is Germany's eighth most populous city. Leipzig is located about 160 kilometres (99 mi) southwest of Berlin. The name of the city as well as the names of many of its boroughs are of Slavic origin.

Leipzig has been a trade city since at least the time of the Holy Roman Empire. The city sits at the intersection of the Via Regia and the Via Imperii, two important medieval trade routes. Leipzig was once one of the major European centres of learning and culture in music and publishing. 

Leipzig today is an economic centre. Leipzig Zoo is one of the most modern zoos in Europe and ranks first in Germany and second in Europe. Leipzig has long been a major centre for music, both classical as well as modern "dark alternative music" or darkwave genres. The Oper Leipzig is one of the most prominent opera houses in Germany. Leipzig is also home to the University of Music and Theatre "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy". The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, established in 1743, is one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the world. Johann Sebastian Bach is one among many major composers who lived and worked in Leipzig and, during a stay in the city, Friedrich Schiller wrote his poem "Ode to Joy".