Famously dubbed ‘Little Paris', the historic city of Leipzig is one of Germany's finest cultural treasures. Located in eastern Germany in the region of Saxony and once home to numerous artistic luminaries, Leipzig boasts a rich cultural heritage; from the musical genius of Bach to the literary masterpieces of Goethe.

Following years of Soviet oppression, Leipzig became known as the ‘City of Heroes' after the instigation of the 1989 peaceful protests that culminated in the collapse of the German Democratic Republic's Communist regime.

For a deeper insight into the city's troubled history, visitors should check out the Forum of Contemporary History (Zeitgeschichtliches Forum) which details the daily life of the GDR from division to reunification, as well as the Runde Ecke's chillingly evocative ‘Power & Banality' exhibition housed in the former Stasi headquarters.

Leipzig's historic centre simply abounds with architectural splendours from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Altes Rathaus, Leipzig's Old Town Hall, was built in 1556 and is a beautiful example of Germany's Renaissance architecture. The building's upper floors house a history museum, while the lower level is a small shopping arcade.

Train lovers should take a look at Leipzig's Bavarian Railway Station (Bayerischer Bahnhof). Built in the 1840s, it is Europe's oldest working railway station.

With so many famous musicians, artists and writers linked to the city, it is no wonder that Leipzig boasts numerous museums, events and festivals celebrating this rich cultural heritage.

Bach spent the last 27 years of his life in Leipzig working as a choirmaster for St. Thomas' Church Boys Choir. He was also Leipzig's esteemed Director of Music. Situated in Leipzig's Old Town, visitors can still enjoy performances of Bach's masterpieces in St. Thomas' Church, the musical legend's final resting place. Located opposite the famous Gothic church is the Bach Museum where many of the composer's original manuscripts and instruments can be seen.

Mendelssohn, Wagner and Goethe are among the other cultural stars that once lived in Leipzig. Mendelssohn lived and worked here for 12 years and his original residence is now a museum dedicated to his life and works. Leipzig also has a museum honouring the Schumann composers, the Schumann-Haus.

Once a favourite watering hole of Goethe, the Auerbachs Kellar is Leipzig's second oldest restaurant and it continues to flourish as one of the city's most popular having catered for over 90-million diners to date.

Having shed the shackles of its turbulent history, Leipzig is now emerging as a stylish cultural city bursting with chic boutiques and cutting-edge architectural design; from the stiking Museum der Bildenden Künste (Fine Arts Museum) to the city's ultra-modern exhibition centre.

You can find more information about Leipzig here.