A few words about Leipzig

Leipzig is the largest city in the German province of Saxony. Its name derived from the Slavic word Lipsk (meaning "settlement where linden trees stand"). It is situated at the confluence of the Rivers White Elster, Pleiße, and Parthe and counts a population of around 500,000.
First documented in 1015, and granted city and market privileges in 1165, the city has fundamentally shaped the history of Saxony and of Germany. It has always been known as a central place of trade. The Leipzig Trade Fair, which started in the middle ages, gained international importance; especially as a point of contact to the East-European economic bloc of which East Germany was a member.
The foundation of the University of Leipzig in 1409 initiated the city's conversion into a center of German law and publishing industry. It was as well a seat of the German Supreme Court , as well as of the German National Library (founded in 1912). A terminal of the first German long distance railroad (1838, to Dresden), Leipzig became a hub of Central-European railroad traffic. It is also renowned for its train station building, now the largest passenger train station in Europe. Due to industrialization in the 19th century the town expanded rapidly towards one million inhabitants. Extensive areas were built, which survived, for their greater part, the World War II and after war demolitions. Nowadays these districts are unique in modern Germany. The constant decline of the number of inhabitants however remains a threat to these precious, richly decorated remains of once Imperial Germany. After 1949, Leipzig became one of the major cities of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). In 1989, the Monday demonstrations started, turning into the most prominent mass protest against the East German regime. The city became known as the City of Heroes due to its leading role in the democratic revolution that eventually led to the German reunification.
A major highlight is the City-High-Rise-Building Leipzig, which, with its 142 metres of height, is the tallest building in the city. Designed by the architect Henselmann in the shape of an open book, and constructed between 1968 and 1972, originally it was part of the University of Leipzig campus at Augustus Square. The building was thoroughly renovated between 1999 and 2002, now and is now rented to private tenants ( such as the public broadcaster MDR). You can have a delicious dinner in the Panorama restaurant, or just take delight in the beautiful views over the hictoric city.
Another important landmark is the Battle Of Nations Monument. Built in commemoration to the defeat of Napoleon in 1813 in the Battle of Leipzig, known also as the Battle of Nations, it is widely regarded as one of the best examples of Wilhelmine architecture. The monument was finished in 1913, on the hundredth anniversary of the battle, and is believed to stand on the spot, from where Napoleon saw his army crushed.
Among Leipzig's noteworthy institutions are the Opera House, Gewandhaus Orchestra, Oper Leipzig, and the Leipzig Zoo, housing the world's largest facilities for primates. Additionally, Leipzig offers an international trade fair ground in the north of the city, having the world largest levitated Glass Hall.
On the museum scene, well worth visiting is the Museum of City History, set in the Old Town Hall. Alongside a permanent exhibition on Leipzig's history, it regularly hosts special exhibitions.
Also the Bach Museum, operated by the Bach Archive. It is situated opposite St Thomas' Church and is dedicated to the work and life of the great composer and long-term musical director of Leipzig, who worked from 1723 to 1750 at this church. Not to be missed are also the Mendelssohn House, the place where this important composer lived and died, as well as the Schiller and Schumann Houses. Leipzig was the place for the FIFA 2006 World Cup draw, and is to host 5 of the First Round Group matches.