Photo: Andreas SchmidtOld town hall in Leipzig at nightLeipzig’s historical city centre reveals the influence of its great cultural tradition and the importance of its trade fair. To the present day, the St. Thomas Choir of Leipzig represents the city's musical legacy. Leipzig is home to one of Germany's oldest universities. In summer 1519, it organised an academic disputation in the Pleissenburg Castle with Wittenberg's Protestant reformers.

Luther’s visit led to the Reformation’s success in Leipzig

In the so-called 'Leipzig Disputation’, Luther, Melanchthon, and Andreas Bodenstein (known as Karlstadt) were confronted by Johannes Eck, a theology professor from Ingolstadt; in the course of the disputation, the Protestant reformers cast doubt on the doctrinal authority of the Pope. Luther’s visit led to the Reformation’s success in Leipzig. The first Lutheran sermons were already being held here in 1522. When the Reformation was introduced to the city in 1539, Luther gave the celebratory speech in St. Thomas’ Church.

The Protestant reformer is remembered with a stained-glass window and a memorial plaque in the church where Johann Sebastian Bach would later make his mark during his twenty-seven years as cantor. Writings by Luther, Katharina von Bora's wedding ring, and many other objects can be seen in the old town hall.