Auerbachs Keller is the second oldest restaurant in Leipzig, Germany. In the 16th century it was one of the city’s most important wine bars and owes its worldwide fame to Goethe’s play Faust; it is the first place where Mephistopheles takes Faust on his travels.
Auerbachs Keller Leipzig
A wine bar on the site was already mentioned in a historical record from 1438. The current restaurant is located in Leipzig’s historic district, under the Mädlerpassage, a historic covered passage built between 1912 and 1914 on Grimmaische Strasse 2 near the market. The restaurant has five historic dining rooms: Fasskeller (Barrel Cellar), Lutherzimmer (Luther Room), Goethezimmer (Goethe Room), Alt-Leipzig (Old Leipzig) and since 1913 Großer Keller (Great Cellar). Also upstairs is the Mephisto Bar for drinks.
Auerbachs Keller Faust
The Mädlerpassage replaced the former Auerbachs Hof, a trade fair building complex built around 1530 on the orders of Heinrich Stromer (1482-1542), city councillor, professor of medicine and rector of the University of Leipzig. Duke George of Saxony or the Hohenzollern brothers was the personal physician to many princes, such as Joachim I, Elector of Brandenburg, and Albert, Archbishop of Mainz. Stromer was known as Doctor Auerbach, after his birthplace, the town of Auerbach in the Upper Palatinate of Bavaria. When he reopened the wine cellar located in rooms in the basement, the bar quickly took his name.
The young Goethe frequented Auerbach’s Cellar while studying at the University of Leipzig from 1765 to 1768 and called it his favorite wine bar. There he saw two wooden paintings from 1625, one depicting the legendary magician and astrologer Johann Georg Faust drinking with students, the other showing him walking out the door on the back of a wine barrel, something he could only accomplish with the help of the Devil. Goethe was familiar with the Faust legend from his youth, as a puppet show called Dr. Faust was often staged at local street fairs. The scene of Auerbach’s Cellar in Leipzig in his drama Faust I is, ironically, his literary monument to the student tavern and the city.
Between 1912 and 1913, a large part of Auerbach’s Cellar was rebuilt and expanded as part of the demolition of the medieval building above it and the construction of the Mädlerpassage. On February 22, 1913, it reopened; this was also the date on which the two statues of Mephisto and Faust and the Bewitched Pupils were installed at the entrance. Since the reunification of Germany, the entire passage has been extensively renovated, with numerous shops and office floors.
Auerbachs Keller Fotos
Auerbachs Keller Führung
Für diejenigen, die die auerbachs keller führung besuchen wollen, werden von der Stadt Leipzing aus Führungen organisiert.
Auerbachs Keller Menu
KITCHENS
German, International, Europe, Gastropub, Central European
Special Types of Nutrition
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Highchairs Available, Alcohol Available, All Drinks, Wine and Beer, Cash Only, Credit Card Valid, Table Service, Dining with Gift Card
