St. Thomas Church, Leipzig

St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche) in Leipzig is where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as cantor for the last 27 years of his life, and where he is buried today. Home of the famous St. Thomas Boys Choir (Thomanerchor), founded in 1212, this late Gothic church in the heart of Leipzig's old town is a pilgrimage site for music lovers from around the world. Hearing the choir sing a motet here is one of the great cultural experiences in Germany.

Where it is and how to get there

The church stands on Thomaskirchhof in the center of Leipzig, Saxony, a few minutes' walk from the Market Square and the Old Town Hall. Leipzig is a little over an hour from Berlin by ICE train, and about 15 minutes on foot from Leipzig Central Station through the pedestrian zone. The old town is largely car-free, so drivers should use one of the downtown parking garages.

History and Bach

The church and its choir date back to 1212, when Augustinian canons founded a monastery here. The present hall church was consecrated on April 10, 1496. Martin Luther preached here in 1539, and Richard Wagner was baptized here in 1813.

Johann Sebastian Bach served as Thomaskantor from 1723 until his death in 1750, composing much of his church music for services here. His remains were moved to the church in 1949 from the war-damaged St. John's Church, and his grave in the chancel was dedicated in 1950.

What to see

• Bach's grave in the chancel, the reason many visitors come
• The Bach Organ, built in 2000 by Gerald Woehl in the style of Bach's era, with 61 stops
• The Sauer Organ from 1889, suited to Romantic repertoire
• The Mendelssohn Window from 1997, honoring composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
• The roof, with a 63-degree pitch, one of the steepest in Germany, and the 68-meter tower

Outside stands the Bach statue, and the Bach Museum is just across the square.

Opening hours, tickets and motets

As of October 2026, the church is open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Hours can change at short notice due to rehearsals. Individual visitors can enter free of charge.

The motet with the St. Thomas Boys Choir usually takes place on Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m., except during school holidays and tours. On Saturdays, entry is by program booklet for €3 (free for children and students), sold only at the church doors from 45 minutes before the start; seating is first come, first served. Sunday services are held at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; please avoid taking photos during worship. Free tower tours run on Saturdays at 1 and 2 p.m. (donations welcome, limited to 15 people).

Is it worth visiting?

Absolutely, whether you are a classical music fan or simply exploring Leipzig. A quick visit to Bach's grave takes 30 minutes; plan your day around a motet if you can. Wheelchair users can enter via the Burgstrasse door, and private photography is allowed. The Thomasshop sells souvenirs and tickets for guided tours.