Paulinerkirche (Saint Pauline Church), Leipzig

The Saint Pauline Church, originally built in 1231 as the Saint Pauli Monastery Church for the Dominican monastery in Leipzig played a significant role in the city’s religious and academic history. Following the establishment of the University of Leipzig in 1409, the church served as the university's church and became known as the University Church of Saint Paul. Notably, after the Protestant Reformation, the church was gifted to the university and was inaugurated in 1545 by Martin Luther. The renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach served as the director of music for special services there between 1723 and 1725.

Although the church survived World War II with minimal damage, it met a tragic end when it was demolished in 1968 under the East German communist regime. In the aftermath of German reunification, plans were set in motion to honor the church’s legacy by constructing a new building on the original site. This new structure, known as the Paulinum (officially Auditorium and Saint Pauli University Church or Assembly Hall and University Church Saint Paul), was inspired by the architectural form of the original church and construction began in 2007.

The Paulinum serves a dual purpose: it functions both as a church, retaining the historic name Saint Pauli University Church, and as an assembly hall for the university. A dedicated room for prayer and regular religious services occupies the exact location of the former church, symbolically preserving its spiritual heritage. The first service in the new Paulinum was held on December 6, 2009, the second Sunday in Advent, and featured a performance of Bach's cantata "Now Come, the Savior of the Gentiles", bridging the historical significance of the site with the cultural legacy of its music.