St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche in German) is a Lutheran church located in the city of Leipzig, Germany. The church dates back to the 12th century, but it is most famous for its association with Johann Sebastian Bach, who was the church's music director from 1723 until his death in 1750. Bach composed many of his greatest works for the church, including his St. John Passion and St. Matthew Passion.
The church is also the site of Bach's grave, which is located in the choir area. A bronze plaque on the floor marks the spot where his remains were originally buried in an unmarked grave. The church is a popular destination for music lovers and tourists alike, and it hosts regular concerts and recitals featuring Bach's music.
The current church building was constructed between 1872 and 1889, replacing an earlier structure that had been damaged by fire. The church's architecture is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, with a large tower that rises over 68 meters (223 feet) tall. The interior of the church features intricate stonework, stained glass windows, and a large organ that was built in 1889 and has since been restored and expanded.
Today, St. Thomas Church is an active place of worship and a popular destination for visitors to Leipzig. In addition to its musical heritage, the church is also known for its role in the peaceful revolution that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany in 1989. The church hosted weekly "Monday Demonstrations" in the fall of 1989, which helped to mobilize public support for democratic reform in East Germany.