Leipzig is a city in the state of Saxony, Germany, with a population of approximately 510,000 residents, located 150 km south of Berlin, at the confluence of the Elster, Pleiße, and Parthe rivers, in the southern part of the North German Plain.

Situated at the intersection of Via Regia and Via Imperii, two of the most important medieval trade routes, Leipzig has been a commercial hub since the Roman Empire. Over time, it became one of Europe’s leading centers of education and culture, particularly in music and publishing.

After World War II, Leipzig became a major urban center in East Germany (GDR), though despite East Germany’s strong economy, the city's cultural and economic significance declined.

A defining moment in Leipzig’s modern history was its pivotal role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, particularly through the protests around St. Nicholas Church. Following Germany’s reunification, Leipzig underwent significant transformations, including the restoration of historic buildings, modernization of infrastructure, and development into a key economic hub.

Today, Leipzig is one of Germany’s largest economic centers and a city with numerous cultural attractions. Some of the most notable include:

Leipzig Opera, a renowned institution in performing arts.

Leipzig Zoo, one of the most modern in Europe.

Leipzig Trade Fair, one of the oldest and most significant trade fairs in the world, dating back to the Middle Ages.

In 2010, Leipzig was ranked among the top 70 cities worldwide for quality of life, according to Mercer Consulting. That same year, The New York Times included it in its top 10 cities to visit.

Leipzig was first mentioned in 1015, in the chronicles of Bishop Thietmar of Merseburg. In 1165, Otto the Rich granted it significant commercial privileges, solidifying its reputation as a crucial trade center for Saxony and Germany.