Alte Handelsbörse (Old Stock Exchange), Leipzig

The Old Stock Exchange (Alte Handelsbörse or Alte Börse) in Leipzig stands as the city's oldest assembly building for merchants and its oldest Baroque structure. Constructed in 1678 as the Börse, it was conceived as a neutral venue for merchants to conduct business, an initiative driven by 30 prominent local merchants in response to concerns raised by foreign traders. The city council approved the construction on May 6, 1678, and the building likely owes its design to Johann Georg Starcke, a master builder from the court of John George II, Elector of Saxony.

Located at the Naschmarkt, adjacent to the Old Town Hall, the Börse's construction commenced on May 30, 1678, and was operational by 1679, although interior decorations were not finalized until 1687. The ground floor housed merchant offices, while the upper floor featured the Börsensaal, a hall used for auctions, balls, and various other events.

The building suffered severe damage during the Second World War, burning down completely in 1943 and losing its valuable stucco ceiling and ceiling paintings. A temporary roof was installed to secure the structure. Restoration of the exterior began in 1955 and was completed in 1962, and since then, the Old Stock Exchange has hosted cultural events, including readings, concerts, and exhibitions. Between 1992 and 1995, the building underwent extensive renovation, focusing on restoring the original facade colors and 17th-century-style window glazing, further preserving its historical essence as a cherished event venue.