Leipzig Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall of Leipzig is one of Germany's most important Renaissance civic buildings, fronting the central market square. Erected in the mid-sixteenth century in a remarkably short time, it presents a long arcaded facade beneath a steep roof, topped by an off-centre tower and ornate gables. For centuries it served as the seat of the city council, and it now houses the city history museum, whose displays trace Leipzig's development as a trade-fair and publishing centre. A ground-floor hall preserves an authentic portrait of Bach.