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| Leipzig |
After we left Berlin, we traveled to
Leipzig. We only stayed there for one full day, but we still had an amazing
time in this city. We stayed primarily in the older parts of town and followed
the Music Trail. In Leipzig we heavily emphasized music as this was the home of
Johann Sebastian Bach.
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| Holocaust Memorial, Leipzig |
I was most fascinated by the
location of the Holocaust Memorial in Leipzig. The city of Leipzig had a large
Jewish population, but they were sent to concentration camps and largely
exterminated. The memorial to these murdered Jews in Leipzig was a large cement
slab filled with empty metal chairs. These chairs are meant to act as places
where the spirits of the Jews can rest. The location of this memorial is
significant as it is on the site of the old synagogue which no longer exists.
The site is very powerful, but there are no identifying markers indicating
exactly what the significance of the location. We were only informed about the
site through a group presentation. I was glad to have visited the memorial.
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| Völkerschlachtdenkmal |
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| Entrance Statue at Völkerschlachtdenkmal |
My favorite academic experience was
our trip out to Völkerschlachtdenkmal or the Monument to the Battle of Nations.
This massive monument commemorates Napoleon’s defeat at Leipzig. This was seen
as a major accomplishment by Prussia and all Germanic peoples. The monument
though, was not built until 1913. It is a very strange place. The building
itself feels as if it should be much more than one hundred years old. It seems
to symbolize the growing sense of nationalism in Germany, as it commemorates a
victory one hundred years after the event. While at this location, it feels as
if the purpose of the building is one of pure intimidation. It makes sense that Hitler frequently visited
this structure when he was in Leipzig. The figures and statues around the imposing
monument are stone-faced warriors. The architecture does not match the style in
which it was built. In a way it reminded me of the Mayan Pyramids I viewed in
Mexico except with a more war-like theme. It felt out of place and imposing,
but the view from the top was fantastic and I would recommend a trip to this
site for anyone visiting Leipzig.
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| Mendelssohn Statue, Leipzig (Not at Mendelssohn House) |
My favorite extra-curricular
experience was visiting the Mendelssohn House in Leipzig. This house was the
location where the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy lived and
composed many of his famous works. We were able to view his piano and many of
his personal belongings throughout his house. The recreation of his living
quarters was on the second floor while the first floor was filled with more
details about Mendelssohn’s life. One room allowed visitors to virtually
conduct a few of Mendelssohn’s works. We were also able to walk into the garden
behind the house, which was lovely. I was not very familiar with the work of
Mendelssohn before this trip, so I greatly enjoyed learning more about this famous
composer.
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| Statue of Faust and Devil outside of Auerbach's Keller |
I have a very strong recommendation for
food in Leipzig. There is a restaurant underground in the Mädler Passage called
Auerbach’s Keller (Auerbach’s Cellar). This restaurant has a bit of an eerie
feel as it is down in an old wine cellar. This is the restaurant where the
German poet Goethe wrote the famous epic poem Faust. The food is a bit pricier, but not unreasonable if you
select carefully from the menu. Traditional German cuisine is served. I went
with a larger group of fellow students and everyone had a satisfactory meal.
Both the food and the atmosphere is great. This restaurant is a must see for
anyone staying in Leipzig.
Next blog post I will be detailing
my favorite experiences and giving food recommendations for Prague.
References:
Auerbach’s Keller Restaurant. “Auerbach’s Keller Leipzig.” Accessed July 13, 2014.
http://www.auerbachs-keller-leipzig.de/#panel-tab-id2.
Auerbach’s Keller Restaurant. “Auerbach’s Keller Leipzig.” Accessed July 13, 2014.
http://www.auerbachs-keller-leipzig.de/#panel-tab-id2.
Mendelssohn Foundation. “The Mendelssohn House in Leipzig,” Accessed July 13, 2014.
https://www.mendelssohn-stiftung.de/r-house.html.
Trip Advisor. “Holocaust Memorial.” Accessed July 13, 2014.
https://www.mendelssohn-stiftung.de/r-house.html.
Trip Advisor. “Holocaust Memorial.” Accessed July 13, 2014.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187400-d3336091-Reviews
Holocaust_Memorial-Leipzig_Saxony.html.
Voelkerschlachtdenkmal.eu. “Battle of the Nations Monument in Leipzig.” Accessed July 13, 2014.
Holocaust_Memorial-Leipzig_Saxony.html.
Voelkerschlachtdenkmal.eu. “Battle of the Nations Monument in Leipzig.” Accessed July 13, 2014.
http://www.voelkerschlachtdenkmal.eu/.
Picture References:
1.
Emily
Herkert, Leipzig from the Battle of
Nations Monument, June 3, 2014,
Leipzig, Germany.
2.
Emily
Herkert, Holocaust Memorial Leipzig, June
2, 2014, Leipzig, Germany.
3.
Emily
Herkert, Battle of Nations Monument,
June 3, 2014, Leipzig, Germany.
4.
Emily
Herkert, Soldier at Battle of Nations
Monument, June 3, 2014, Leipzig,
Germany.
5.
Emily
Herkert, Felix Mendelssohn Statue,
June 2, 2014, Leipzig, Germany.
6.
Emily
Herkert, Faust and Devil: Auerbach’s
Keller, June 2, 2014, Leipzig, Germany.
