Altes Bach-Denkmal

The Old Bach Monument (Altes Bachdenkmal) on Dittrichring in Leipzig is the oldest monument in the world honoring the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. It was formally unveiled in 1843 and came about through an initiative by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, who secured much of the funding through his own concerts and private funds. The neo-Gothic work in Elbe sandstone is by the sculptor Hermann Knaur and stands right next to St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche).

Architecturally, the monument stands out for its complex structure of octagonal stone slabs, a sandstone base, and a cantoned pillar surrounded by spirally twisted columns. The monument itself rests on a square capital and is supported by four Romanesque arches and triangular gables that converge in a stone finial. The four sides of the relief show different motifs: a bust of Bach, an angel teaching boys to sing, two angels beneath a cross, and an angel playing the organ.

You can experience the monument in its historic setting, which is enclosed by an iron fence. It has been restored several times over the years, most recently in 2005, when the finial was also replaced. The New Bach Monument is also nearby, making this a special spot for commemorating Bach in Leipzig.