Mitte in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany — Central Europe
20.000 Demonstranten auf dem Ring
Orte der Friedlichen Revolution
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20,000 demonstrators on the city ring
Sites of the Peaceful Revolution
| — | '89 | — |
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
1. 20.000 Demonstranten auf dem Ring / 20,000 demonstrators on the city ring Marker
2. Oktober 1989
20.000 Demonstranten auf dem Ring - die Montagsdemonstrationen werden zur Massenbewegung
Im Sommer 1989 verließen Zehntausende die DDR über Ungarn, Polen und die ČSSR in Richtung Westen, sodass am 3. Oktober 1989 die Grenzen endgültig geschlossen wurden. Die Massenflucht veranlasste zunehmend mehr Menschen, ihren Protest auch im Land offen zu artikulieren.
Wegen des großen Andrangs fand das Friedensgebet am 2. Oktober 1989 erstmals auch in der Reformierten Kirche statt. Am Abend formierte sich auf dem heutigen Augustusplatz der bisher größte Demonstrationszug. Bis zu 20.000 Menschen demonstrierten friedlich auf dem Ring.
Die Sicherheitskräfte versuchten den Zug durch eine Sperrkette in Höhe der Reformierten Kirche zu blockieren. Dem Druck der Masse hielten die Volkspolizisten nicht stand, sodass Tausende bis zur Thomaskirche liefen. Dort griff die Polizei erneut ein, erstmals in Sonderausrüstung mit Helm, Schild und Schlagstock sowie mit Hunden. Die SED rechtfertigte den bisher brutalsten Einsatz in Leipzig und diffamierte die Demonstranten in der Leipziger Volkszeitung als Rowdys.
Foto: Johannes Beleites
October 2, 1989
20,000 demonstrators on the city ring - the Monday demonstrations become a mass movement
In the summer of 1989, tens of thousands left the GDR for the West, through Hungary, Poland and Czechoslovakia, leading to the borders being closed for good on October 3, 1989. The mass exodus prompted more and more people to articulate their protest openly even within the country.
On October 2, 1989, the prayers for peace were also held for the first time in the Reformed Church because of the large crowds attending. In the evening, the largest protest march so far formed in the area now known as Augustusplatz. Up to 20,000 people demonstrated peacefully on the city ring.
The security forces tried to block the movement with a barrier chain in front of the Reformed Church. The pressure of the masses was too much for the Volkspolizei, and thousands approached St. Thomas' Church. There, the police met them again, for the first time specially equipped with helmets, shields and batons and with dogs. The SED justified the most brutal use of force in Leipzig so far and defamed the demonstrators in the Leipziger Volkszeitung as hooligans.
Photo: Johannes Beleites
Erected by City
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is October 2, 1989.
Location. 51° 20.639′ N, 12° 22.411′ E. Marker is in Leipzig, Sachsen (Saxony). It is in Mitte. It is at the intersection of Tröndlinring and Löhrstraße, on the right when traveling east on Tröndlinring. The marker is located on the south side of the track near the shopping center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leipzig SN 04105, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche / Evangelical Reformed Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Größte Leipziger MontagsdemonstrationLargest / Monday demonstration in Leipzig (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
2. 20.000 Demonstranten auf dem Ring / 20,000 demonstrators on the city ring Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
3. 20.000 Demonstranten auf dem Ring / 20,000 demonstrators on the city ring Marker
The view of the marker along the street with the Evangelical Reformed Church in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 20, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
