St Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche)

The basics

A visit to St. Nicholas Church is at the top of the to-do list for most first-time visitors to Leipzig, and almost all sightseeing and walking tours will make a stop at the landmark. The church’s mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture is notable from the outside, but the real highlight is its candy-colored neoclassical interiors, which feature a series of unusual palm tree-inspired pillars. Visiting with a guide not only affords insight into the unique architectural elements but also provides historical context. You’ll learn more about Leipzig's Communist past and the church’s role in the city’s political and cultural history.

Things to know before you go

• Classical music enthusiasts won’t want to miss Leipzig’s annual Bachfest (June), devoted to the renowned composer; some events are hosted at St. Nicholas Church.

• There is no admission to visit the church, but tickets are required for some music concerts and performances.

• St. Nicholas Church is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

St. Nicholas Church is located on Nikolaikirchhof in the city’s Mitte district, and it can easily be reached on foot within the historic center. To arrive by public transport, you can either take the S-Bahn to Leipzig Markt or ride the tram to Augustusplatz, both about a 5-minute walk away.

When to get there

St. Nicholas Church is open daily, with tours available on Saturday mornings and in the late afternoon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Friday afternoons, you can view the organ on a separate tour. The famous Prayers for Peace are held every Monday at 5pm. The church also hosts regular services on Sundays and music recitals.

Leipzig’s Peaceful Revolution of 1989

Germany’s Revolution of 1989, which led to the Fall of Communism in East Germany and the symbolic fall of the Berlin Wall, is one of the most significant moments of 20th-century European history, and Leipzig played an important role. The city’s Monday demonstrations started as a weekly Prayer for Peace held at St. Nicholas Church, attracting more than 70,000 peaceful protestors to the church and nearby Karl Marx Square.