St Thomas Church Leipzig
Bach's church for twenty-seven years, where he is buried and where his choir still sings twice a week.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Johann Sebastian Bach was Thomaskantor from 1723 until his death in 1750, responsible for the music of Leipzig's main churches and for teaching at the attached school; he wrote much of his church music in that post, including the St Matthew Passion, first performed here. He was buried in another churchyard, and his presumed remains were moved to St Thomas in 1950. The Thomanerchor, a boys' choir documented from 1212, still sings motets on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons and cantatas at Sunday services, open to the public. A Bach museum stands across the square in a merchant's house.
What you actually see
- Bach's grave - a slab in the chancel, the remains moved here in 1950.
- The Thomanerchor - a choir documented since 1212, singing weekly.
- The Bach museum - across the square, with manuscripts and instruments.
- The Bach monument - a 1908 statue outside the church.
When to go
Year-round; motets are sung on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons, with cantatas at Sunday services. The Bachfest runs in June. Arrive early for seats.
Honest expectations
Choir performances fill the church and seating is first-come. The choir does not sing during school holidays. The grave attribution is not fully certain.
Nearby
The Bach museum faces the church; the market square is east.
What to pack for St Thomas Church Leipzig
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
