The Royal Castle (Kaliningrad): history, description

The Royal Castle (Kaliningrad) is a historical place that today evokes both positive and negative emotions among the townspeople even in spite of the fact that only ruins remained from it. The first mention of Koenigsberg dates back to 1255. And then - only more interesting ...

History of the Royal Castle in Kaliningrad

The Kaliningrad region is the only one in Russia that is separated from our vast country by other states. And when you walk around the city, you can find it a rather strange place. Here, and purely Soviet areas, causing discouragement of its gray, and the typical quarters of Burger, wander about which is more pleasant. Kaliningrad is now a modern Russian port city, but in 1255, when it was founded, the area belonged to Prussia. Then it was decided to form a stronghold for the time of conquest of the land, which was what the crusaders of the Teutonic Order did. This point on the map was called Koenigsberg, which in translation sounds like "royal mountain" - in honor of the Czech king Přemysl II, who provides funds for the settlement.

In the same year, 1255, the castle was laid. More precisely, it will be said that the history of the city originates from the moment of the formation of this architectural structure. The Middle Ages in general are very interesting and at the same time a terrible time, when the most unexpected events occurred. And just then the fight against the Gentiles was almost the most important goal, a noble act. Therefore, often at the mention of that era, one can hear about the crusades, in which all those who were waiting for "spiritual salvation" took part. So, going back to the topic: the castle of Königsberg, according to the idea of King Ottokar II and grand master of the Teutonic Order Peppo von Ostern, was erected "to protect the Christian faith."

The decision to build was made in 1254, immediately after the celebration of Christmas. By 17 January next year, Ottokar II leaves "generous gifts for the construction of the castle," as chronicler of the Order of Peter of Duisburg writes. In the spring, work was begun on the erection of Koenigsberg, and, it should be noted, on a fairly large scale. First, a wooden fortress was built on the site of the previously burnt Prussian fortress Tvangeste, which goes to the ground. Further, the construction of a stone defensive structure was planned, which would occupy the entire spacious plateau of the Royal Mountain, located at a height of 20 m above the Pregel River. In 1256, the Knights of the Teutonic Order fenced off the stream, thus having received the Castle Pond, which was very necessary in those days, the ditch was replenished. By the way, it was here that the first mill was built.

In 1260 there was a Prussian uprising - the largest in all history. They destroyed all Christians who were captured, and also burned many castles, fortresses and other buildings. A year later the Prussians reached the Royal Castle, besieged it, seizing and destroying the settlement. Königsberg Castle had not yet been completed, but it adequately withstood a two-year siege and a fierce battle.

In the following years, the Royal Castle (Kaliningrad) was constantly changing, rebuilt, transformed, becoming larger, more beautiful and stronger. By the XV century it was already an impregnable and powerful enough fortress to take that was a big problem. However, after a while, the walls ceased to be a defense against guns. Gradually, various works of art and valuable books accumulated here. Thus the castle became the cultural center of the Prussian land.

In 1525, Konigsberg officially becomes the residence of the first secular ruler of Prussia - Duke Albrecht. But the gentleman becomes cramped and bored in the faceless chambers of the castle, and he decides on a grandiose reorganization. In the course of this "construction coup", the eastern wing appears, later named after the duke.

In the era of the Renaissance, the palace, already in time transformed, became even more beautiful. The Royal Castle (Kaliningrad) was completely completed and became magnificent from the aesthetic side of the residence of the Prussian Dukes.

"Death" of the Royal Castle

Founded by the Czech king, the building lasted until 1968. The first destruction of the castle suffered during the Second World War. Aviation bombing caused great damage to the structure, but, strangely enough, it still retained its beautiful and slightly formidable appearance. In addition, it could be restored. But time passed, and further discussions did not proceed. Many people were against the restoration of Koenigsberg. It is not without reason that in 1945, in the newspaper Pravda, the castle was called a "rotten tooth in the mouth of a fascist viper". He caused unpleasant emotions in people, and money for his restoration was required very much. It is not known how long this architectural structure would remain in ignorance if it were not for Kosygin. In the late 60s of the last century, when the question "what kind of ruins in the center of the city" he was told that the local history museum was going to be made here, Kosygin was indignant: "Open the museum to Prussian militarism? Demolish, immediately! "So fate decided Königsberg. Although there is no evidence that this really was so.

Description of the Royal Castle

Königsberg Castle had a maximum length of 104 m and a width of 66.8 m. The highest building of the city was the Castle Tower, which was rebuilt in the 64-66 years of the XIX century in the Gothic style.

For 7 centuries of existence this structure was repeatedly changed. Therefore, it combines all the once fashionable styles: gothic, renaissance, baroque and even rococo. At the same time, his destiny changed. At first it was a defensive structure, then a castle, then fashionable ducal residences, after that - a museum complex, and then a place in which the spiritual life was concentrated.

Another interesting thing is the constituent parts forming the Royal Castle (Kaliningrad):

• The place where the coronation of the Prussian kings took place - the Chateau Kirche.
• Collection of manuscripts and books - "The Silver Library".
• Located in the basement wine restaurant "Bloody Court".
• Shelter "Firmari".
• Castle tower with a clock.
• A large hall for receptions.
• Oat tower is an octagonal structure.
• The castle pond.
• Baroque wing with royal chambers called Friedrichsbau or Unfriedtbau. It included several halls: the Throne, the Mirror, the Leather, the Hunting, the Ceramic, the Orders of the Black Eagle, and also the ancestors' hall; The former premises of the Imperial Salon, the quarters of the Crown Prince, the Imperial wardrobe and the Imperial Bedroom; The birth chamber of Frederick I, banners and standards, Queen Louise; Dining room and the office of the emperor.

Institutions once housed in the Koenigsberg Castle

• Archaeological collection "Prussia".
• The Supreme Court of Prussia.
• The State Archives under the King.
• The Amber Room.
• Museum of the province.
• Management of the museums of East Prussia.

Castle today

Today you can see only the ruins of the Royal Castle in Kaliningrad. But even the remnants of this historic building do not give rest to local residents, exciting imagination, especially the youth. At one time, excavations were conducted here and the possibility of restoring the structure was discussed.

Now in summer the exposition is opened, which allows to inspect large and small construction samples and other details. On the observation deck, the most real knight tournaments are held, accompanied by various interesting activities and appropriate decorations.

Archaeological excavations on the site of the Royal Castle in Kaliningrad

Archaeological work was carried out for 7 years, until 2008. Then, due to lack of funding and complete indifference from the mayor's office of Kaliningrad, excavations were discontinued. But the question of the need to continue the archaeological work remains open.

Waiting for recovery

In 2009, a program was developed for the reconstruction of the center of Kaliningrad, even a competition was held, but only the construction of the former castle's territory did not take place due to the development of the financial crisis. Then again decided to hold a referendum, but when in 2010 the governor and the regional government were replaced, this issue was no longer raised.

To date, it is known that the restoration of the Royal Castle in Kaliningrad will still take place. While only the reconstruction is planned, but the main thing is that the mayor's office has found the sponsor of the works.

The Royal Castle (Kaliningrad): address

For information, you can call: 8 (911) 868 31 76. The ruins of the Royal Castle are located in the central city square, next to the House of Soviets (Shevchenko, 2).

Today, the question of restoring Koenigsberg is quite acute. Many people are inclined to the fact that Russians do not need such an attraction, that this is not our story. Others believe that the Royal Castle must necessarily be brought to a normal state. The decision to restore was taken repeatedly, but it never came to pass. And as will be this time - only time will show.