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St Thomas Church in Leipzig with its steep roofTdn70 · CC BY 4.0

What to do · Leipzig

St Thomas Church, Bach's Tomb and the Motet

Church · 45 min · Free · Where Bach was cantor and is buried; on Fridays at 18:00 and Saturdays at 15:00 the St Thomas choir sings

InformationFree; motet programme €3
Price
Free; motet programme €3
Duration
45 min
Season
All year
Who it's for
All ages

What it is

Johann Sebastian Bach was cantor of St Thomas from 1723 until his death in 1750, and is buried in front of the altar. The Gothic church, with a very steep roof, is still home to the Thomanerchor, the boys' choir that he directed.

The motet

Almost every week, on Friday at 18:00 and Saturday at 15:00, the choir sings the motet, a sung service with music by Bach and other composers. There are no tickets: you pay for the programme, €3, at the church doors from 45 minutes before. Arrive early, because it fills up.

Opening times

The church is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00, except during services and concerts.

Tips

  • Plan the day around the motet If you go on a Friday or Saturday, it is what you will remember most.
  • Combine it with the Bach Museum It is opposite, on the same square.

Frequently asked questions

When does the St Thomas choir sing?

At the motet, usually on Fridays at 18:00 and Saturdays at 15:00.

Do you have to buy a ticket?

No; you pay for the programme, €3, at the door.

Where is Bach buried?

In St Thomas, in front of the altar.

As a familyWith teenagers

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

The dining room under white vaults, with wooden tables, upholstered benches and a chandelier© Thüringer Hof

Thüringer Hof

Restaurant · Leipzig · €€€€

What to order: the seasonal dish; in winter, goose

A family dining at a table in the Großer Keller© Auerbachs Keller

Auerbachs Keller

Restaurant · Leipzig · €€€€

What to order: a Saxon dish from the menu in the Großer Keller

To stay nearby

The front of the hostel with the café terrace on the street© Five Elements HostelHostel

Five Elements Hostel Leipzig

Historic centre · Dorms, pods and private rooms · Kitchen and bar · 24-hour reception

Why we like it: Hostel in the very centre, on Kleine Fleischergasse, with dorm beds from €13, private pods, rooms with bathroom, a kitchen, a bar and 24-hour reception.

From €13 / bed View details
A room with a double bed, a desk, armchairs by the window and a chandelier© Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel HandelshofHotel

Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof

Next to the Market Square · Two-floor spa · Restaurant and wine bar · Pets accepted

Dogs welcome

Why we like it: Grand hotel in a former trade-fair building in central Leipzig, steps from the Market Square, with a two-floor spa and a French and Mediterranean restaurant.

A double room with a painting above the beds© Galerie Hotel Leipziger HofHotel

Galerie Hotel Leipziger Hof

Art gallery hotel · Covered parking with charging points · Tram 150 m away

Why we like it: Hotel with more than 300 works by the Leipzig School hanging everywhere, 1.3 km from the station, with covered parking and charging points.

Itineraries

Features in these plans