Paulinum

The Paulinum is an assembly hall and university church in Leipzig featuring a neo-Gothic facade with pointed windows, a rose window, and illuminated octagonal columns. A movable glass partition inside allows the main hall and sanctuary to be separated or combined for different events and services.

The site was previously occupied by the Paulinerkirche, a Dominican monastery church built in 1231 that served as the university church until it was destroyed in 1968. The current building was constructed as part of efforts to revive the city's cultural and academic life after the war.

The preserved altar from the 1500s shows the apostle Paul as a scholar, surrounded by carved scenes from the story of Jesus and Mary. These artworks give the space a spiritual quality that connects with its role as a place of learning.

The building is largely accessible with no major barriers, and large windows provide good orientation throughout the spaces. It helps to check opening times in advance since the building primarily serves university functions rather than general tourism.

The asymmetrical gabled facade includes a deliberate line scored into the stone above the pointed window, marking where the previous church was destroyed. This subtle detail serves as a quiet memorial to what was lost, and many visitors walk past it without noticing.

Location: Leipzig

Architects: Erick van Egeraat

Official opening: December 2017

Part of: Leipzig University

Website: http://paulinum-leipzig.de

GPS coordinates: 51.33903,12.37931

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:26