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Leipzig
Thomas Church
* Located in Saxony in north eastern Germany
* Population of 500,000 people
* Historic cultural and artistic center
* Many architectural jewels
* Leading role in the 1989 democratic revolution
* Reputation as a fun "party city"
* Once home to Bach, Goethe, Leibniz, Mendelssohn, Schiller and Wagner
* City economy built on publishing and trade fairs.
World Cup 2006 Matches in Leipzig
Sun 11 June Serbia Montenegro v Netherlands
Wed 14 June Spain v Ukraine
Sun 18 June France South Korea
Wed 21 June Iran v Angola
Sat 24 June Round of 16
Leipzig was once one of Europe's richest and most artistic cities. Leipzig university dates back to 1409 and the some of the great names of German music, literature and science: Bach, Goethe, Leibniz, Mendelssohn, Nietsche, Schiller, Schumann and Wagner lived in the city at some point in their lives.
Leipzig's early growth and wealth was based on book publishing, trade fairs and its famous university which attracted scholars from all over Europe. This prosperity was reflected in the arts, particularly music which has a long tradition in the city: The Gewandhaus Orchestra founded in 1743 is Europe's longest-established orchestra and was once conducted by Mendelssohn, the Opernhaus (opera house) dates back to 1693 and the famous Thomaner Choir was directed by Bach.
Leipzig has experienced tremendous change since the peaceful revolution of 1989 and the disappearance of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Historic buildings have been restored and cleaned and much of the city's vibrancy and street life have returned.
Getting to Leipzig
Air
Leipzig Halle airport is 20km outside the city and there are regular shuttle buses to the main station. The airport is served by several European airways including British Airways (BA), Air France and KLM.
Train
Leipzig has rail connections to Berlin (2-3 hours), Frankfurt (3 hours 45 mins), Munich (7 hours), Hanover (3 hours 45 mins), Hamburg (4 hours 30 mins) and Dresden (90 minutes). Leipzig is also within easy reach of Prague in the Czech Republic.
Hotels in Prague
Bus/Road
Leipzig connects by autobahn with Berlin (A-9) and Dresden (A-14).
City Transport
Most of Leipzig's main sites lie with the Ring road that surrounds the Altstadt (Old Town). Tram is the best method of getting around in the city center. The tourist office sells the Leipzig Card which gives discounts for city museums and free travel on buses and trams.
A climate-neutral World Cup
Click here for the 2006 Fifa World Cup venues
Click here for general information
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