Kaliningrad and surroundings: sights. Description, interesting facts

Being the westernmost regional center of the country and the only one that does not have land borders with the main territory of Russia, Kaliningrad has always been interesting not only from a geographical, but also from a historical point of view. A Russian city with deep Austrian roots is an amazing kaleidoscope of museums, monuments, landmarks, architecture and culture. Therefore, it is extremely interesting for tourists who visit it year-round. We also offer you a list of the best places of interest in Kaliningrad and its surroundings.

The city until 1946

Known now as Kaliningrad, the city of Koenigsberg was founded in January 1255 by the Knights of the Teutonic Order, commanded by Poppo von Ostern and Przemysl Otakar II, the Czech king. It is quite logical that everything began with the construction of a castle, first of a wooden one, and a couple of years later of a stone one. The king's troops came to the aid of the knights, who in turn were invited to fight the local population of pagan faith. Gradually, the land began to settle the Germans. They mingled with the Prussian population, which gradually lost its identity, forgot language and culture. In the end, in the 16th century, their number was about 20%. Gradually, the city's territory began to include Kenigsberg itself (Kaliningrad) and the surrounding area. Sights mostly come from those distant times.

City during the war

By the beginning of the Second World War, the city had grown enormously. The transport communication, architecture, suburban areas actively developed. However, with the advent of the Nazis, militarism began to be actively promoted to power.

During the military operations, the city would be badly destroyed by the British air fleet. His assault after encirclement began on April 5, 1944. Many sights of Kaliningrad and its environs suffered, some were destroyed. Finally, many monuments were lost, including the Prussian kings and Queen Louise, as well as the professorial cemetery. After the end of the war, the whole province, called East Prussia, together with the capital - Koenigsberg, was given for the time being to the Soviet Union, and later transferred for good.

Königsberg Castle

Europe, as is known, is famous for its magnificent ancient castles. Many of them were erected in the era of feudal fragmentation, when the centralized power was weakened and each defended as best he could. So Koenigsberg (Kaliningrad) originally emerged as a fortress with a castle. Knights of the Teutonic Order laid it in 1255, construction, reconstruction and various changes were made up to 1713. This building could rightly be proud of modern Kaliningrad and its surroundings. Sights with ancient history have the property of breaking down. However, almost in its original form, the castle stood right up to the war. After that, its destruction began: first by military actions, and then by a new power. The ruins of the castle were blown up in 1967. Now these are ruins in which excavations were carried out from the 90s to 2007. Periodically there is talk about the beginning of restoration and restoration works in the historic center of the city, however, so bright a monument of architecture at the moment is practically lost. Above is a picture of the courtyard of the castle, made in 1923.

The Koenigsberg Stock Exchange

One of the oldest places of interest in the city, which is an architectural monument. The modern address of the location is 83 in Leninsky Prospekt, near the Bridge overpass. On the banks of the Pregol River. The building of this kind in the city was not the first, but the previous three were destroyed or burnt. The exchange is not without reason classified as "The brightest sights of Kaliningrad and its environs", the list of which is quite extensive. It was built in 1870-1875, in an unusual for Prussia style of neo-Renaissance with the presence of elements of classicism. In the post-war years, the exchange for more than 20 years stood dilapidated and only in the late 1960s the reconstruction was carried out. Now the building houses the regional Youth Culture Center.

Kirch's memory of Queen Louise

The historic building is located in Central Park, on Victory Avenue in Kaliningrad. In former years it housed the Lutheran church, and since 1976 - the regional puppet theater. The building was built in memory of Louise of Mecklenburg - the wife of Friedrich Wilhelm II and, incidentally, the grandmother of Emperor of Russia Alexander II. After the restoration, the appearance almost completely corresponds to the type of church before the war, but the interior interior was heavily modified, and in connection with the technical need, a division into two floors appeared. If you decide to explore the sights of Kaliningrad and the surrounding area in winter or at any other time of the year, then do not forget about the building of the church. Beautiful and slender, erected by a devoted people in honor of her most beloved queen, who died in the prime of her beauty.

Cathedral

An ancient building, the construction of which was conducted in 1333-1380, is located in the historical center of the city. Up to the beginning of the reformation of the 16th century. The cathedral was a Catholic church. It is built in the style of the Baltic Gothic, which is also called brick. It is characterized by the presence of a rich ornament, but at the same time there is no figural molding. This is one of the few such buildings available in Russia. You should definitely visit it in case of a trip to Kaliningrad. All sights to get around in one or two days is impossible, but without the inspection of the Cathedral your journey will be incomplete. Now it organizes various exhibitions and concerts, as well as two chapels: Orthodox and Evangelical.

Kirha Juditen

The oldest building in Kaliningrad, which has survived to our days and is familiar to local residents as St. Nicholas Church. The exact date of its construction is not established, but in written sources there is a mention of it in 1288. Its nave is made up of large untreated boulders, and the western wall is made of brick with a gothic dressing. Surprisingly, during the war years the kirkh was practically not damaged. According to some reports, the service was conducted until 1948, up to the expulsion of Germans from the city. Undoubtedly, the building is a historical monument and adorns the city of Kaliningrad and its surroundings. Attractions of this kind always cause deep feelings when visiting, because in them the time seems to freeze, and you are immersed in the atmosphere of the past of the city.

The Holy Family of the Holy Family

This Catholic church is almost the most famous and impressive creation of the architect Friedrich Heitmann. It was built in 1904-1907. In his opinion, it was to become a special place where the spirit of Christ and his earthly parents would always reign. It is noteworthy that in her there have never been a requiem, but only ceremonies of weddings and baptisms. Now the building belongs to the regional philharmonic society.

Holy Cross Cathedral

The oldest and most impressive sights of Kaliningrad and its environs are inconceivable without the Kirish Cross, which now houses the Orthodox church. Its construction was planned to begin in 1913, however, before it started, the work was interrupted due to the First World War. More than 10 years later, in 1925, a project was developed, the first stone was laid in 1930, and on May 7, 1933, its consecration took place. The cathedral is interesting from the point of view of architecture and in the plan has the form of an equal (Greek) cross. The original decoration of the temple was not preserved, the internal layout was subjected to numerous alterations, which led to the loss of the original species.

Leading the conversation about Kaliningrad and the surrounding area, the sights of the city, preserved to this day, one can not but mention one more place - the Fish Village (photo). The modern trade, artisan and ethnographic center was recently rebuilt, but it is very popular with locals and tourists. In fact, this is an ordinary city quarter, that's all the buildings in it are made with the observance of the German style. If you want to plunge into the architecture and atmosphere of the old Koenigsberg, then surely take a stroll through its streets. There is a fishing village on the October Island, between the same street and Pregolya (river).

Some events that take place in the city can also be safely included in the list: "Sights of Kaliningrad and its environs". Bodybuilding, for example, is in high esteem among local residents, and therefore there are many schools and sports centers here. The regional championship is held annually.

Museums of Kaliningrad

Museums are always interesting, and not boring and monotonous, as many believe. It is important to simply choose something that intrigues you. Being a large regional center with rich historical and cultural traditions, Kaliningrad is ready to offer its guests five major and most famous museums. It's no secret that the Baltic shores are rich in amber. It is this stone and all that is associated with it, dedicated to one of the museums. It was opened in a historic building (defensive tower) in 1979 (photo). His expositions, located in 28 rooms, include such sections as the properties of amber and its history, use in art, including modern, information about the manufactory and the plant.

The Frindland Gate, built in the late 18th century in the Neo-Gothic style, has now also become a museum. The expositions are devoted to the history of the pre-war Koenigsberg. On a level cob, you seem to be returning to the city that once disappeared.

The Museum of the World Ocean, opened in 1990, is the first of its kind. Its expositions are devoted to navigation, marine life and fauna, hydrology, geology. In addition, it has its own maritime library and an ecological station. Visitors will find here a variety of exhibits: from the skeleton of a huge sperm whale to the collections of ancient cannons and naval weapons, the Vityaz ship. In aquariums, you can see living creatures of the seas and oceans, including tropical piranhas, stingray rays, etc., live.

It is worth mentioning one more remarkable place that can safely be included in the sights of Kaliningrad and its environs.

Svetlogorsk is a resort town

Include it in this topic is due to the fact that it is located only 40 km from Kaliningrad itself, right on the Baltic coast. A small town with a population of just over 20 thousand people has long become a tourist center of the region. The first mention of it in the written language is dated 1258, then these lands were inhabited by the Prussians. Possessing such an ancient history, naturally, the city can offer its guests various attractions. Among them - a Lutheran church in 1903 built (now the temple of Sarov), various monuments, a cable car, a wonderful beach and a promenade, a sundial, a city hydropathic, etc.

Kaliningrad seems to be at the junction of times, two historical paths. In this amazing and beautiful old town, of course, there is something to see. In Kaliningrad, the sights of different eras stand side by side, sometimes contrasting in the most incredible way.