A place travelers can visit Nikolai Church

Reviews: Nikolai Church

General description: Nikolai Church

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Description
Prayers for peace, chains of lights, demonstrations - since East and West Germany were reunified in the autumn of 1989, St Nicholas has been internationally renowned as the birthplace of the peaceful revolution. The oldest preserved church in Leipzig has always played an important role in political life. In the 12th century, increasing numbers of merchants set themselves up close to the church - it is dedicated to their patron St Nicholas. In 1512 the Old Nicholas School (today a cultural café and museum) sprang up in the local neighbourhood and it was the city's first dedicated educational institution. St Nicholas church was where J. S. Bach passed the test to become the choirmaster. The stout Romanesque western front is original. The central tower was not built until 1555 and at the start of the 18th century it was given its baroque crest and increased to a height of 75 m. Inside the biggest church in the city is enchanting thanks to its light open design. Palm branches seem to be sprouting from Corinthian pillars. This was how from 1784-1797 urban planning director Dauthe transformed this Gothic hall-style church into a classical masterpiece. The altar image is the work of A. F. Oeser. Priest Christian Führer still invites you to join in with prayers of peace every Monday. After 8 p.m., 144 coloured light stones gradually light up the square. This light installation by Tilo Schulz commemorates, like the replica of Dauthe's pillar and the granite fountains which are full to overflowing, the peaceful resistance seen in 1989.
Leipzig's oldest city church became known worldwide in 1989 after the fall of the Berlin Wall as the cradle of east Germany's peaceful revolution.

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