Overview
St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) is a beautiful Lutheran church in Leipzig, Germany, famous for its rich musical heritage and as the burial place of Johann Sebastian Bach. The church is also known for its impressive Gothic architecture and the renowned Thomanerchor boys' choir.
The church is significant for its historical and cultural importance, particularly in music history, as it was where Johann Sebastian Bach worked and is buried.
Location
Address
Thomaskirchhof 18, Leipzig
Neighborhood: Leipzig City Center
Coordinates
51.339400, 12.378800
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
March-May, September-October
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild to warm
- • spring flowers in the churchyard
- • Easter services
summer
warm to hot
- • summer concerts
- • longer visiting hours
autumn
cool to mild
- • autumn colors in the churchyard
- • harvest festivals
winter
cold, occasional snow
- • Christmas markets
- • festive decorations
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Respectful attire
- Check for concerts
- Quiet during services
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: low
- • slippery floors in winter
Medical facilities: nearest hospital 5 km away
Payment Information
Accepted
cash, cards
Currency
Euro
Typical Costs
Dress Code
modest and respectful, comfortable shoes for exploring, appropriate for church grounds, shorts, tank tops, inappropriate attire
Booking Tips
- • not required, but recommended for concerts
- • official website or local tour operators
- • varies by event
- • available for concerts
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Leipzig Tourist App
Size: 30 MB
Features: Map of attractions, Event calendar, Audio guide for Thomaskirche
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe
Charging Stations: Visitor center
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Leipzig/Halle Airport
Distance: 15 km
Travel Time: 20 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 1 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Deep historical and cultural significance, beautiful architecture, and the famous boys' choir
Historical Significance: The church has been a central part of Leipzig's history since the 13th century and is closely tied to the city's musical heritage, particularly Johann Sebastian Bach.
Insider Tips
- Free entry to the church, donations welcome
- Best views from the churchyard in the early morning
- Local cafes offer traditional pastries near the church
Local Recommendations
- • Try local pastries at nearby cafes
- • Visit the Bach Museum next door
- • Ask about the Thomanerchor's performance schedule
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: German, English, French
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Churchyard with spring flowers
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Wide shots
Result: Beautiful spring images
Church interior
Best Time: During services (with permission)
Tips: Low light, use tripod
Result: Stunning interior shots
Bach's grave
Best Time: Early morning
Tips: Close-ups
Result: Respectful and moving images
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Bach Museum
Distance: 50m
Walking: 1 min
Type: Museum
Leipzig Zoo
Distance: 2km
Walking: 25 min
Type: Zoo
Leipzig Opera
Distance: 300m
Walking: 5 min
Type: Opera House
Museum of Fine Arts
Distance: 500m
Walking: 7 min
Type: Museum
Leipzig Botanical Garden
Distance: 1km
Walking: 15 min
Type: Botanical Garden
Reviews
Based on 5,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Visit early for quiet time"
- "Check out the Bach Museum"
- "Attend a Thomanerchor performance"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (4)
Quick Info
Available Tours
16
Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Reviews
5,000
Adult Entry
free (donations welcome)