What is Petersstrasse?

Petersstrasse is one of the oldest streets located in the Mitte district of Leipzig, Germany, specifically within the neighborhood known as Zentrum.

What was the historical significance of Petersstrasse for Leipzig?

For centuries, Petersstrasse served as a primary thoroughfare and commercial street, particularly vital for the Leipzig trade fair, featuring exhibition houses, inns, and shops.

How has Petersstrasse changed since the second half of the 19th century?

In the second half of the 19th century, many of the older buildings along Petersstrasse were removed as part of the city center's modernization efforts.

What is the current function of Petersstrasse?

Today, Petersstrasse is a heavily frequented pedestrian zone situated in a prime location, characterized by shopping centers, department stores, various shops, restaurants, and cinemas.

What is the length of Petersstrasse?

Petersstrasse measures 347 meters (approximately 1,138.5 feet) in length.

What two key locations does Petersstrasse connect in Leipzig?

Petersstrasse connects Leipzig's market square in the north to Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz in the south.

What historical landmarks were located at the southern end of Petersstrasse?

Historically, the Peter's Gate (Peterstor) was situated at the southern end of Petersstrasse until 1860, and the Peterskirche, an old church dedicated to St. Peter, was located there until 1886.

How does Petersstrasse continue south of the Inner City Ring Road?

South of the Inner City Ring Road, at the former location of the Peter's Gate, Petersstrasse continues as Peterssteinweg.

What ancient trade route was Petersstrasse a part of?

Petersstrasse was historically part of the Via Imperii, an important medieval trade route.

What historical district was Petersstrasse the central street of?

Petersstrasse served as the central street for the surrounding Petersviertel, also known as the quarter of St. Peter.

What were the characteristics of Petersstrasse regarding courtyards and passageways?

Petersstrasse featured numerous courtyards, many of which provided passageways to adjacent streets such as Thomaskirchhof, Burgstrasse, and Neumarkt.

How did the street space of Petersstrasse change after World War II?

Following World War II, the northern section of Petersstrasse was widened from 11 meters to 19 meters to accommodate changes in scale and improve delivery access.

When was the widening of Petersstrasse reversed in certain sections?

The road widening in a specific section of Petersstrasse was reversed with the construction of the building occupied by Peek and Cloppenburg.

What happened to the Karstadt department store on Petersstrasse?

The Karstadt department store, which operated on Petersstrasse from 1990 to 2019, was originally opened in 1914 as the Althoff department store. A new opening as a shopping, office, and restaurant building is planned for late 2023.

What major underground infrastructure was constructed beneath Petersstrasse?

In 2007 and 2008, two tunnel tubes for the Leipzig City Tunnel, a railway project, were drilled underneath Petersstrasse.

When did the Leipzig City Tunnel open, and how does it affect access to Petersstrasse?

The Leipzig City Tunnel opened in 2013, providing access to Petersstrasse from the north via Leipzig Markt station and from the south via Leipzig Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz station.

What amenity was introduced to Petersstrasse in 2017?

In 2017, the first public drinking fountain was installed in Petersstrasse by the Leipziger Wasserwerke, a practice that has since been adopted in other parts of Leipzig.

What was the historical function of the building at Petersstrasse 1 to 13, Messehaus am Markt?

The corner building at Petersstrasse 1 to 13, known as Messehaus am Markt, has housed coffee houses since the late 17th century and served as an exhibition center since 1913, including hosting the Leipzig Book Fair.

What was the significance of the Messehof at Petersstrasse 15?

The Messehof, built between 1949 and 1950, was the first new municipal exhibition center constructed after World War II, replacing the baroque city palace Hohmanns Hof that was destroyed during the war. It now houses a commercial building with a shopping arcade.

What architectural style is the former Reichsbank building at Petersstrasse 43 designed in?

The former Reichsbank building at Petersstrasse 43 was constructed in the Neo-Renaissance style, serving as the Leipzig branch of the Central Bank of the German Empire.

What is the current use of the former Reichsbank building at Petersstrasse 43?

Since 1999, the former Reichsbank building at Petersstrasse 43 has been home to the Leipzig Johann Sebastian Bach music school.

What was the historical context of the Merkur House at Markgrafenstrasse 2?

The Merkur House, located at Markgrafenstrasse 2, was built in 1936-1937. Its name references a previous building that featured a statue of Mercurius and was forcibly Aryanized by the Nazis, having previously been Jewish-owned.

What historical injustice is associated with the previous building at Markgrafenstrasse 2, the Merkur House site?

The previous building at Markgrafenstrasse 2, on the site of the Merkur House, was Jewish-owned and was forcibly Aryanized by the Nazis during their regime.

What was the purpose of the building at Petersstrasse 20, Petershof, when it was constructed?

The Petershof, built between 1927 and 1929, was constructed as a trade fair building and also housed the Capitol cinema until 2003, before being converted into a residential and commercial building.

What is the Thomaswiese mentioned in relation to the west side of Petersstrasse?

The Thomaswiese is a green space located on the west side of Petersstrasse, which was created after the area was converted from a former department store site in 1973 and landscaped in 1997/1998.

What was the historical context of the Haus zur Flora at Petersstrasse 17/23?

The Haus zur Flora was located at Petersstrasse 17/23 and was completely destroyed in a devastating bomber attack on Leipzig on December 4, 1943, even though it was not directly hit by bombs.

Who designed the Peek & Cloppenburg store on Petersstrasse?

The Peek & Cloppenburg clothing store, opened in 1994 at Petersstrasse 17/23, was designed by architect Charles Moore and his partners.

What was the historical significance of the Messehaus am Markt at Petersstrasse 1-13?

The Messehaus am Markt, located at Petersstrasse 1-13, has been an exhibition center since 1913 and hosted the Leipzig Book Fair from 1993 until its relocation to a new exhibition center.

What is the Messehofpassage, and where is it located?

The Messehofpassage is a shopping arcade located within the Messehof building at Petersstrasse 15, providing a connection to the Mädlerpassage.

What historical event led to the destruction of the Hohmanns Hof on the site of the Messehof?

The Hohmanns Hof, a baroque city palace that previously stood on the site of the Messehof at Petersstrasse 15, was destroyed during the Bombing of Leipzig in World War II.

What was the historical role of the Stentzlers Hof at Petersstrasse 39/41?

Built in 1914 by architect Leopold Stentzler, Stentzlers Hof at Petersstrasse 39/41 was an exhibition center primarily used for displaying paper goods, and it also facilitated a passage to Peterskirchhof.

What is the current function of the building at Petersstrasse 48, known as Klinger House?

The Klinger House at Petersstraße 48, originally built in the Neo-Renaissance style by architect Arwed Roßbach, has borne the name of the Klinger family since 1905 and continues to function as a notable building on the street.

What is the significance of the name Merkur House for the building at Markgrafenstrasse 2?

The Merkur House, located at Markgrafenstrasse 2, is named after a previous building on the site that featured a statue of Mercurius, the Roman god of commerce and messenger.

What was the historical function of the Petershof at Petersstrasse 20?

The Petershof, built between 1927 and 1929, served as a trade fair building and also housed the Capitol cinema until 2003, before being converted into a residential and commercial building.

What is the Petersbogen complex, and what types of businesses does it house?

The Petersbogen complex, built between 1999 and 2001 at Petersstrasse 36, is a modern development that includes shops, the Cinestar multiplex cinema, and a casino, alongside university facilities.

What was the historical role of the building at Petersstrasse 32 / 34, known as Drei Könige?

The site at Petersstrasse 32 / 34, known as Drei Könige (The Three Kings), housed an inn in 1680 and later became the center for the shoe fair for over 70 years after an exhibition center was built there in 1915.

What was the original purpose of the building at Petersstrasse 26, now known as Concentra House?

Concentra House at Petersstrasse 26 was originally built in 1920 as a trade fair center. The preceding building, the Schletterhaus, was bequeathed to the city by its founder, Adolf Heinrich Schletter.

What does the image captioned View of Petersstrasse in 2009 depict?

The image shows a view of Petersstrasse in 2009, illustrating its appearance as a street with buildings and pedestrian activity.

What does the image captioned Petersstrasse during the Leipzig Trade Fair in the 1890s illustrate?

The image depicts Petersstrasse during the period of the Leipzig Trade Fair in the 1890s, showcasing its historical role as a bustling commercial hub.

What does the image of the Messehof show?

The image shows the Messehof, a building at Petersstrasse 15 that was Leipzig's first new municipal exhibition center after World War II.

What does the image of Peek & Cloppenburg represent?

The image of Peek & Cloppenburg shows the department store located on Petersstrasse, known for its distinctive architecture.

What does the image labeled formerly Karstadt Leipzig show?

The image shows the building that formerly housed the Karstadt department store on Petersstrasse, which has a history dating back to the Althoff department store opened in 1914.

What does the image of the Former Reichsbank building illustrate?

The image shows the former Reichsbank building at Petersstrasse 43, which was constructed in the Neo-Renaissance style and now houses a music school.

What does the image of the Curry Cult Snack Bar represent?

The image shows the Curry Cult snack bar, a modern establishment located on the west side of Petersstrasse, near the Thomaswiese green space.

What does the image of the Petershof depict?

The image shows the Petershof, a building at Petersstrasse 20 that historically served as a trade fair building and housed a cinema.

What does the image of Zum Grünländer (The Greenlander) show?

The image displays the Zum Grünländer building at Petersstrasse 24, known for its historical commercial use and its unique name derived from a sea rescue story.

What does the image of Concentra House represent?

The image shows Concentra House at Petersstrasse 26, a building that originated as a trade fair center and was previously known as the Schletterhaus.

What does the image of Haus Drei Könige (The Three Kings) depict?

The image shows Haus Drei Könige (The Three Kings) at Petersstrasse 32/34, a site that historically housed an inn and later became a significant location for the shoe fair.

What does the image of Petersbogen illustrate?

The image shows the Petersbogen complex at Petersstrasse 36, a modern development featuring an arcade gallery, shops, a cinema, and a casino.

What does the image of the Klinger House represent?

The image shows the Klinger House at Petersstraße 48, a representative Neo-Renaissance building designed by Arwed Roßbach, named after the Klinger family.

Petersstrasse Wiki: Petersstrasse: Leipzig's Historic Artery of Commerce

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Petersstrasse: An Overview

Location and Significance

Petersstrasse is a historically significant street located in the Leipzig-Mitte district, specifically within the Zentrum neighborhood. It serves as a vital artery connecting Leipzig's central market square (Markt) to Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. For centuries, it functioned as a primary commercial thoroughfare, integral to the renowned Leipzig Trade Fair, hosting numerous exhibition houses, inns, and shops.

Dimensions and Connectivity

The street measures approximately 347 meters (1,138 feet) in length. Its width varies between 11 meters (36.1 feet) and 19 meters (62.3 feet). Petersstrasse is well-integrated into Leipzig's public transport network, with the nearby Leipzig Markt station and Leipzig Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz station serving the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland network. It forms part of the historical Via Imperii and is bordered by other notable streets and squares.

Modern Commercial Hub

Today, Petersstrasse is a bustling pedestrian zone, recognized as a prime commercial location. It features a concentration of modern shopping centers, department stores, diverse retail outlets, restaurants, and cinemas, reflecting its enduring role as a center for commerce and urban activity.

A Journey Through Time

Ancient Origins

Petersstrasse is recognized as one of Leipzig's oldest streets, predating the city's official founding in 1165. Its historical importance is deeply rooted in its function as a key segment of the medieval Via Imperii trade route. The street was the central axis of the surrounding Petersviertel (St. Peter's Quarter), named after the eponymous Peterskirche (old St. Peter's Church) and the Peter's Gate (Peterstor) that once stood at its southern end.

Medieval and Early Modern Trade

Throughout the centuries, Petersstrasse was characterized by numerous courtyards, many providing passageways to adjacent streets and squares like Thomaskirchhof and Neumarkt. This intricate network facilitated trade and movement, reinforcing its status as a commercial nucleus for the city and its famous trade fairs.

Transformation and Modernization

During the latter half of the 19th century, Petersstrasse underwent significant modernization. Many older structures were replaced to accommodate the city's growth and the demands of the burgeoning trade fair industry. The street's scale was altered, with initial widenings to facilitate delivery to exhibition palaces. Post-World War II, further modifications occurred, including widening in the northern section. More recently, the street has been reconfigured, with the reversal of some road widenings and the adaptation of former department store spaces for new commercial uses.

Architectural Tapestry

Street Layout and Features

Petersstrasse runs north-south, linking the Markt to Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. Historically, it was lined with numerous courtyards offering connections to neighboring areas. Today, it is a pedestrian zone, featuring a mix of historical and modern commercial architecture, reflecting Leipzig's urban evolution.

Notable Buildings and Developments

The street's east side features significant structures like the Messehaus am Markt (Market Exhibition House), originally a coffee house location, later an exhibition center, and now a commercial building. The Messehof, built post-WWII, includes the Messehofpassage connecting to the Mädler Arcade Gallery. The former Karstadt department store site is undergoing redevelopment. On the west side, the Haus Marquette (housing Hugendubel) and the Petershof (a former trade fair building now residential and commercial) are prominent. Other notable sites include the Zum Grölländer, Concentra House, Haus Drei Könige, Petersbogen complex (housing shops, a cinema, and a casino), the Klinger House, and the Merkur House.

Detailed historical context for key buildings along Petersstrasse:

Petersstrasse 1-13 (Messehaus am Markt): Site of coffee houses since the 17th century, transformed into an exhibition center in the 20th century, now a commercial building.
Petersstrasse 15 (Messehof): First post-war municipal exhibition center, now a commercial building with a shopping arcade.
Petersstrasse 17/23 (Peek & Cloppenburg): Site of the historic Haus zur Flora, rebuilt as a five-story clothing store designed by Charles Moore.
Petersstrasse 25/31 (Former Karstadt): Originally the Althoff department store (1914), later various iterations, closed in 2019, awaiting redevelopment.
Petersstrasse 39/41 (Stentzlers Hof): Built as an exhibition center for paper goods, later renovated into a passage connecting to Peterskirchhof.
Petersstrasse 43 (Former Reichsbank): Neo-Renaissance building, now home to the Leipzig "Johann Sebastian Bach" music school.
Petersstrasse (West Side): Historically built up, now features the Curry Cult Snack Bar and green spaces.
Petersstrasse 12/14 (Haus Marquette): A modern residential and commercial building.
Petersstrasse 20 (Petershof): A former trade fair building, now converted into residential and commercial use.
Petersstrasse 24 (Zum Grölländer): Historic commercial building, noted for its 18th-century origins and a relief commemorating a sea rescue.
Petersstrasse 26 (Concentra House): Built as a trade fair center, previously the "Schletterhaus," now a commercial building.
Petersstrasse 32/34 (Drei Könige): Site of a historic inn, converted into an office building after decades as a shoe fair center.
Petersstrasse 36 (Petersbogen): Modern complex with shops, a cinema, and a casino, built on a site with historical university and trade fair connections.
Petersstrasse 48 (Klinger House): Representative Neo-Renaissance building, named after the Klinger family of artists.
Markgrafenstrasse 2 (Merkur House): Marks the entrance to Petersstrasse, named after a statue of Mercurius, with a history involving Jewish ownership and Aryanization during the Nazi era.

Urban Evolution

From Medieval Lanes to Modern Boulevard

Petersstrasse's development reflects Leipzig's transformation. Initially a medieval street with narrow lanes and numerous courtyards, it evolved into a major commercial artery, particularly during the era of the Leipzig Trade Fair. The 19th and 20th centuries saw significant modernization, including street widening and the construction of large exhibition and department store buildings. Post-war reconstruction and subsequent urban planning have shaped its current form as a pedestrian-focused commercial zone.

Infrastructure Integration

The construction of the Leipzig City Tunnel in the early 2000s significantly impacted Petersstrasse. Tunnel tubes were bored beneath the street, and the tunnel's opening in 2013 enhanced connectivity via the Leipzig Markt and Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz stations, further integrating the street into the city's public transport infrastructure.

Public Amenities

In 2017, Petersstrasse became one of the first locations in Leipzig to feature a public drinking fountain installed by the Leipziger Wasserwerke, contributing to the street's modern urban amenities and public service provision.

Connecting Leipzig

Street Network

Petersstrasse is strategically positioned within Leipzig's city center. It connects the central Markt square to Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. Several smaller streets intersect or run parallel to it, including Sporergässchen, Preußergässchen, Peterskirchhof, and Schlossgasse. At its southern end, it continues as Peterssteinweg beyond the former city gate.

Public Transport Access

The street is conveniently served by the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland network through two nearby stations:

Leipzig Markt station
Leipzig Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz station

These stations provide access to regional and local rail services, enhancing Petersstrasse's accessibility.

Seasonal Significance

Petersstrasse plays a role in Leipzig's cultural calendar, being an integral part of the annual Leipzig Christmas Market, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere during the festive season.

Study Resources

Key Information

This section provides key facts and figures about Petersstrasse for focused study. Review the core details of its history, location, and architectural significance.

Petersstrasse: Essential Data

Location: Leipzig-Mitte, Leipzig, Germany
Length: 347 m (1,138 ft)
Width: 11 m to 19 m (36.1 ft to 62.3 ft)
Historical Significance: Part of Via Imperii, central to Leipzig Trade Fair.
Current Status: Pedestrian zone, major commercial street.
Key Intersections: Markt, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz, Schloßgasse.
Public Transport: Near Leipzig Markt and Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz S-Bahn stations.

Visual Context

While direct images are not displayed, consider the descriptions provided for buildings like the Messehaus am Markt, Messehof, Petersbogen, and the former Reichsbank Building. Visualize these structures as part of the street's historical and modern fabric.

Architectural Highlights

Focus on the architectural evolution: from medieval structures and courtyards to Baroque palaces, 19th-century trade fair halls, post-war reconstruction, and contemporary commercial developments. The adaptation of historical buildings into modern retail and office spaces is a key theme.

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References

Sebastian Ringel: Wie Leipzigs Innenstadt verschwunden ist. 150 verlorene Bauten aus 150 Jahren, edition Ã¼berland, Leipzig 2019, ISBN 978-3-948049-00-3

City report of the Immobilien-Zeitung undated (in German)

Church yard of St. Thomas Church

Keyword "PetersstraÃe", on webpage www.leipzig-lexikon.de (in German)

Webpage of the developer (in German)

Ernst MÃ¼ller: Die HÃ¤usernamen von Alt-Leipzig. (Schriften des Vereins fÃ¼r die Geschichte Leipzigs, 15. Band). Leipzig 1931, Reprint Ferdinand Hirt 1990, ISBN 3-7470-0001-0, p. 61

A full list of references for this article are available at the Petersstrasse Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing information from publicly available data. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only, providing a structured overview of Petersstrasse in Leipzig.

This is not a substitute for professional historical or architectural consultation. The content is based on data that may be subject to change or interpretation. Always consult primary sources and expert analyses for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein. Users are encouraged to verify information through independent research.

Petersstrasse: Leipzig's Historic Artery

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Petersstrasse: An Overview ℹ️

📍 Location and Significance

📏 Dimensions and Connectivity

🛍️ Modern Commercial Hub

A Journey Through Time ⏳

📜 Ancient Origins

🏛️ Medieval and Early Modern Trade

🏗️ Transformation and Modernization

Architectural Tapestry 🏗️

🗺️ Street Layout and Features

🏢 Notable Buildings and Developments

Urban Evolution 📈

🏙️ From Medieval Lanes to Modern Boulevard

🚇 Infrastructure Integration

💧 Public Amenities

Connecting Leipzig 🔗

↔️ Street Network

🚆 Public Transport Access

🎄 Seasonal Significance

Study Resources 📚

📖 Key Information

Petersstrasse: Essential Data

🖼️ Visual Context

🏛️ Architectural Highlights

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Petersstrasse: An Overview

Location and Significance

Dimensions and Connectivity

Modern Commercial Hub

A Journey Through Time

Ancient Origins

Medieval and Early Modern Trade

Transformation and Modernization

Architectural Tapestry

Street Layout and Features

Notable Buildings and Developments

Urban Evolution

From Medieval Lanes to Modern Boulevard

Infrastructure Integration

Public Amenities

Connecting Leipzig

Street Network

Public Transport Access

Seasonal Significance

Study Resources

Key Information

Visual Context

Architectural Highlights

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice