Constructed in Leipzig, Germany, in the early 13th century by the Augustinian monastic order, Thomaskirche, or St. Thomas Church, has been the site of several of Leipzig's most important cultural and historical events. The church initially operated as a monastery before housing the University of Leipzig in the 15th century and the St. Thomas school in the 16th century. (...)
Constructed in Leipzig, Germany, in the early 13th century by the Augustinian monastic order, Thomaskirche, or St. Thomas Church, has been the site of several of Leipzig's most important cultural and historical events. The church initially operated as a monastery before housing the University of Leipzig in the 15th century and the St. Thomas school in the 16th century. In 1539 Martin Luther introduced religious reform to Leipzig while preaching at St. Thomas Church. In the 18th century, Bach served as choirmaster at Thomaskirche, and many notable composers, including Mozart, performed there. Originally constructed in the Romanesque style, the building was later altered in the Gothic period. Romanesque features are still present in the building and can be found in a window on the north side of the choir, portions of the lower floor of the tower, the crossings, arches, and corbels. The church roof, set to 63 degrees and dating to 1486, was an engineering feat in its era. The steep-pitched front gabled roof has been, and continues to be, an enduring feature of the Leipzig skyline.
