The Moritzbastei

DEUTSCHKURSE | Harry-Folge-036-Landeskunde-Bild
null DW

Since Harry is already wandering around the University of Leipzig, he really ought to visit Germany's biggest student club, the Moritzbastei. The historical fortification in the heart of the city today offers cafes, bars and discos where people can let off steam. The special thing about it is that all this takes place underground. The building complex, with its deep cellars, was built in 1552. In the 18th century, the visible parts were removed, and only the underground vaults remained. In 1943, the Moritzbastei was closed as space was urgently needed for the debris of the war, and the cellar was almost completely filled with rubble.

It was not until 1974 that students looking for a suitable location for a club rediscovered parts of the vaults. Over the next five years, an impressive 40,000 cubic meters of rubble were removed. This spectacular cleanup succeeded mainly because of the 30,000 students who helped by devoting 150,000 hours of their time. It's now a venue for readings, concerts and exhibitions. Restaurants also entice visitors to the Moritzbastei, regardless of their academic background. Everyone is welcome here!