Since 1556, the late Romanesque cenotaph of the monastery’s founder, Wiprecht II, has been located in Pegau’s St. Lawrence Church. This point of reference opens onto a town history that can be explored from several perspectives: through the church, the town museum and public art.
Church, Monastery History and Museum
Pegau’s history is linked to the medieval Benedictine monastery founded by Wiprecht II, and to the town hall built in 1560. St. Lawrence Church was rebuilt as a Gothic hall church by 1463. Wiprecht II’s cenotaph has been located in the church since 1556. The Gothic architecture and late Romanesque cenotaph thus stand side by side as distinct historical points of reference.
The Pegau Town Museum is one of the oldest museums in Saxony. Its permanent exhibitions are “From the Lives of Pegau’s People in the Past” and “Mammoths – Monks – Makers.” Their titles highlight different themes: one draws attention to the lives of Pegau’s people in earlier times, while the other brings together the keywords mammoths, monks and makers. A visit to the museum involves climbing 136 steps; along the way, views open up across Pegau towards Leipzig’s Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Allow time for the climb if you would like to enjoy the view.
Old Town and Public Art
You can use 19 information boards to explore the old town independently. The audio walk offers a different way to experience public art: QR codes on 19 sculptures create an interactive audio experience. Since 2007, the Pegau Sculptors’ Pleinair has produced more than 50 works by 27 artists. Thus, Pegau’s cultural offerings include not only the specific routes through the old town and the audio walk, but also longer-term artistic work.
Floodplains, Lakes and Cycling Routes
Pegau lies in the floodplain of the White Elster and amid a newly formed lake landscape in the southwest of the Leipzig region. Cycling also offers two distinct connections to the area: the Neuseenland Route allows cyclists to explore Leipzig Land over 100 kilometres from Pegau. The Elster Cycle Route also runs through Pegau and extends from Bohemia to Halle (Saale). If you are planning a ride from Pegau, you can use the Neuseenland Route as a guide; the Elster Cycle Route connects the town to a route between Bohemia and Halle (Saale).
Pegau Municipal Bath offers an opportunity to cool off and swim. Check current availability before making plans.
Getting Here and Finding Your Way
Pegau is served by regional trains RB13 and RE12. Check the timetable before travelling, as transport services may change. By car, you can reach Pegau via the B2 to Leipziger Vorstadt; check the current route before setting off, as road conditions and routing may change.
The Napoleon House is home to the town library and Tourist Information Office. Check the latest visitor information before your visit, especially if you plan to use the Tourist Information Office to help plan your trip. This makes it possible to tailor your travel arrangements, orientation and choice of town history, art, cycling or swimming to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Neukieritzsch, Lobstädt, Frohburg, Grimma, Lossatal, Threna, Naunhof, Markranstädt
Back to the regional travel guide: Leipzig District.
