Good question. And one that you’re bound to ask when faced with the street sign in this little lane.
But don’t worry! We’re here to enlighten you! You’ve already learned so much about Leipzig from us. What the local coffeehouse culture is all about, some interesting facts about the city and a couple of sightseeing tips. People who don’t know Leipzig, often think it is a small city – but in fact it has so much more to offer! Here are four places that you should definitely check out the next time you’re in beautiful Leipzig – including insider information and an explanation of where the name “Barfußgässchen” actually comes from! ?
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Auerbachs Keller
One of Leipzig’s oldest restaurants, Auerbach’s Cellar is famous for its mention in Goethe’s Faust and is worth a visit in any case. Young Goethe often came here while studying law – not very successfully – at Leipzig University. With its vaulted basement rooms and hearty local cuisine, the cellar remains a popular spot to meet with friends even today.
Worth knowing: There’s a statue of Mephistopheles at the entrance to the restaurant. Make a wish while rubbing the sculpture’s golden shoe and it will come true at some point in the next 100 years – or so they say. So come on down to Leipzig and make your wish! ?
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Market Square
The Market Square, designed to hold up to 10,000 people, is buzzing with activity every Tuesday and Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Here you can get regional specialities including sausages, cheese or fresh fruits and vegetables. You’ll also find special teas and, of course, Leipziger Lerchen: a popular shortcrust pastry.
Worth knowing: The Leipzig Market Days from 22 September to 3 October offer a wonderful programme of events of both the culinary and cultural Kind!
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“Barefoot Lane”
The name of this little street goes back to the Franciscan Order, whose members were also known as the “Barefoot Monks”. The lane leads from the market square directly to the Franciscan Monastery, thus giving rise to its name. Barfußgässchen is lined with one bar and restaurant after the other and is a good place to enjoy a drink in the evening – though you are requested to leave your shoes on when you do.?
Worth knowing: Barefoot Lane forms part of Leipzig’s Bermudadreieck (Bermuda Triangle). This area, which includes Barfußgässchen as well as the surrounding streets, has a high density of bars and restaurants where it is easy to get stuck if you don’t look out. ? Cheers!
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Nicholas Church
Sure, churches are a whole different story, and everyone has to work out for themselves what or who they believe in. But St. Nicholas Church is a part of Leipzig, and in these times of tolerance and open-mindedness it is a landmark you shouldn’t miss! It is the oldest and largest church in Leipzig and named after Saint Nicholas.
Worth knowing: Historically the church holds an important place in the events leading up to the end of the Cold War in 1989 and 1990. During the Peaceful Revolution, which culminated in the fall of Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, thousands of protestors regularly met for peace prayers in the church and then congregated on a nearby square where they demonstrated for their rights – all without violence or police intervention, thus the name Peaceful Revolution.
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