Where is Ragnit Castle? Interesting facts and photos

The lands that are part of the modern Kaliningrad region, many times changed their owners. Once this area was part of Prussia, then belonged to the Teutonic Order, the Prussian Duchy, East Prussia, the Russian Empire and even Germany. Thanks to such an intense history, there are many architectural sights in the vicinity of Kaliningrad today. Among them, you can find truly unique examples of historical architecture. A worthy example is the Ragnit castle in the Neman.

History of the foundation of the fortress

In the second half of the 13th century, on the site of the modern Neman of the Kaliningrad region, there was a Prussian fortified town of Ragnit. In 1277 the wooden fortification was destroyed by the wars of the Teutonic Order. A few years later Landmaster Meinhard von Querfurth, also known as the brother of Menek, arrived in the devastated lands. The main mission of the "newcomer" and his associates is to expand the boundaries of Christianity and carry true faith. In 1289, Menek's brother founded his own fortress on the site destroyed earlier. The castle was called Landeskhut (literally translated as "ground hat"). Most likely, the fortress was named precisely because it was built on a hill. The times were troubled, and the fortifications had to withstand enemy sieges many times. Interesting fact: already in 1326 the fortress returns its historical name - henceforth it is again Ragnit castle.

A new fortress with an old name

In 1356, the castle was again seriously damaged during the raid of Lithuanians. Winrich von Knipprodem rebuilds the fortress again and orders to dig around the walls a deep ditch with water. This protective measure does not help, and after 9 years the castle Ragnit was burned. In 1397 the construction of a stone fortification began. It is this castle that has survived to this day. According to the initial layout, the walls form an almost perfect square. The main building had three floors, inside were luxurious rooms and chambers, workrooms and utility rooms. New Ragnit - the castle is exquisite, decorated with openwork gates and large curtained windows. The real decoration of the architectural ensemble is the clock tower, whose height reached about 25 meters. Entire legends are stacked about a cunning system of underground passages and dungeons. Until the beginning of the XIX century, the castle Ragnit was preserved in very good condition. When the Teutonic Order was liquidated, a manager was located in the fortress - the Hauptmann and various administrative services.

The beginning of the end of a beautiful era

In the early nineteenth century, in an ancient fortress, it was decided to organize a prison. In 1825, it was opened and accepted the first criminals. However, the penitentiary institution was not destined to exist for long in these walls. Already in 1829 there was a fire, the restoration work after which stretched for almost ten years. The restored Ragnit castle in the Kaliningrad region was transferred to the city and district court. By the end of the nineteenth century the fortress was abandoned and abandoned. The ancient castle was in no hurry to collapse. Without regular maintenance and repair it was kept in excellent condition. Old-timers of the Neman tell legends that during the Second World War the fort was bombed actively. All shells simply bounced off the roof and did not cause any damage to this structure. After the war, city fairs were sometimes held in the inner courtyard of the castle, and some of the well-preserved buildings were used as warehouses.

How did Ragnit Castle turn into ruins? Interesting facts from the history of Soviet cinema

It's hard to believe, but the fortress, which stood for many centuries, turned into ruins in peacetime. And if many other historical monuments of architecture die due to lack of proper attention and restoration, Ragnit was destroyed purposefully. In 1976, director Alexei Herman shoots in these places the film "Twenty Days Without War". The film crew of Lenfilm conducted a series of explosions, which resulted in significant damage to the historical monument of architecture. In our time it is difficult to understand this attitude to such an important ancient object. The beautiful Ragnit castle, whose history is filled with tragic and heroic events, has turned into ruins for the sake of an ordinary nine-second episode in not the most popular film. Apparently, the directors liked the idea of Herman. Subsequently, two more films about the war were shot on the picturesque ruins: "Soldier and elephant" and "I am a Russian soldier".

Ragnit Castle in our days

Today, the legendary historical landmark is in a sad state. Organized excursions are not organized here, since the ruins are recognized as emergency. And yet many informal tourism fans come to the Kaliningrad region to see Ragnit Castle in Neman with their own eyes. From the majestic fortification to our days are preserved only the walls of the main building and the clock tower. The brickwork crumbles, there are no internal ceilings, ruin and desolation reign all around. But still, even in this condition, the fortress looks majestic. If you decide on this tour, be sure to choose comfortable shoes and clothes.

Is there any hope for restoration?

The city of Neman is a relatively small settlement, but even there are public organizations not indifferent to the fate of the main local landmark. In 1992, the clock tower was reconstructed, and in 2002 - a partial preservation of the architectural monument. The regional government and local residents believe that the attraction should be preserved and restored. Perhaps, once indeed in the tourist avenues will appear Ragnit castle (Kaliningrad region). To date, there is no official information on the beginning of the reconstruction. Since 2010, the landmark is in the department of the Russian Orthodox Church.