Paulinum

Leipzig


Looking like an airport terminal devouring a Gothic cathedral, Leipzig University's main building is a boldly postmodern tribute to the 13th-century university church that stood in its place until 1968, when GDR's authorities decided to blow it up. The church-like part of the building is used primarily as a concert venue. Precious art salvaged from the old Paulinerkirche is now contained in the 'altar area' located to the right of the main entrance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Leipzig attractions

1. Augustusplatz

0.08 MILES

Massive Augustusplatz may look nondescript at best, and foreboding at worst, but it is actually flanked by some of Leipzig's most famous buildings,…

2. Kroch-Haus

0.09 MILES

Leipzig's first 'skyscraper', the 11-storey Kroch-Haus is topped by a clock and two muscular bronze sentries, who bash the bell at regular intervals; the…

3. Nikolaikirche

0.12 MILES

This church has Romanesque and Gothic roots, but since 1797 has sported a striking neoclassical interior with palm-like pillars and cream-coloured pews…

4. Richard-Wagner-Museum

0.15 MILES

This museum documenting Wagner's formative years in Leipzig, opened in his former school in 2013, provides a detailed overview of the composer's…

5. Zeitgeschichtliches Forum

0.16 MILES

This fascinating, enormous and well-curated exhibit covers the political history of the GDR, from division and dictatorship to fall-of-the-Wall ecstasy…

6. Stadtgeschichtliches Museum

0.22 MILES

Leipzig's beautiful Renaissance town hall is an atmospheric setting to recount the twists and turns of the city's history from its roots as a key medieval…

7. Mendelssohn-Haus

0.25 MILES

A key figure of the Romantic age, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy was appointed music director of the Leipzig Gewandhausorchester in 1835 and held the…

8. Schwanenteich

0.25 MILES

This pretty pond surrounded by trees backs onto Leipzig's opera house and is a charming place to wander.