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12 - Augustusplatz
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In a way unrivalled by any other square, Augustusplatz reflects the architectural history of Leipzig in the 20th century and, with the buildings enclosing and adjoining it, offers visitors a lesson in the change in architectural styles and methods during the past decades. In 1929, the building of the 13-storey Europa tower block was seen as revolutionary. To its right are witnesses to the Stalin era, elaborate residential palaces dating from the early Fifties. To the left follows the row of buildings erected under former East-German party leader Ulbricht, the former hotel "Deutschland", now hotel "Mercure", and the glass and aluminium structure of the Central Post Office. The end of this frontage is marked by the city's tallest residential block. Together with the new Gewandhaus building, this 31-storey construction built in 1972 dates from Honecker's period of rule.
The neo-Baroque Mende Fountain (18m high), built in the square in 1886, is the only remaining testimony to one of Germany's leading late 19th century square ensembles. Rebuilt and bearing new pieces of porphyry, it stands before the New Gewandhaus and forms a striking contrast to the new and modernly designed Augustusplatz with its jet fountain in front of the Opera House.
The University of Leipzig also has its home in Augustusplatz. Since its foundation in 1409, it has been the place of education and work of such famous personages as Thomasius, Gottsched, Lessing, Klopstock, Goethe and Gellert. The "City-Hochhaus", a new high-rise building, opened in 1975 as part of the university, and not quite undisputed then, is now probably Leipzig's best-known landmark.
For the 600 year anniversary in 2009 the University will be rebuilt and restructured.
University of Leipzig
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