Kaliningrad architecture: styles, historical and modern buildings

Kaliningrad is an ancient city with a rich history and, consequently, numerous architectural masterpieces. Its population is more than half a million people. This seaside city has long attracted and attracts tourists. What is interesting to see here?

History of the city

The city of Kaliningrad, formerly Koenigsberg, was founded in 1255. Initially, this name was given to the castle, built on the site of the Prussian town. Later, in 1724, the surrounding towns and villages were combined with the castle and formed a large city - Koenigsberg.

It became part of the Soviet Union in 1945, after the end of World War II. A year later, received a new name - Kaliningrad. Most of the German population was deported to Germany, and the city was populated by Soviet citizens.

City architecture

Kaliningrad is a city of various architectural and historical monuments. Here you can see buildings belonging to different eras and even nationalities. This is not surprising, because until 1945 Koenigsberg belonged to Germany.

The city is attractive to tourists for its beauty and mystery. Many diverse museums, ancient universities, bridges and castles - all this and much more can be seen in this amazing corner of vast Russia.

Eight gate

A distinctive feature of the city are the gates of Kaliningrad. There are currently eight of them. They surrounded the city center. Previously, there were more gates - 10. But not all of them have survived to this day.

The list of gates of Kaliningrad:

1. Friedland.
2. Ausfal.
3. Rossgartensky.
4. Friedrichsburg.
5. Brandenburg
6. Zakheim.
7. Royal.
8. Rail.

Let's consider each object in more detail.

• The Friedland Gate is today a museum of local lore. Here are collected a variety of items that were found in the mid-80s in the process of cleaning the city and nearby lakes. In the museum you can understand how the city of Koenigsberg used to live.
• The Ausfal Gate accepted into its premises one of the branches of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Used in war and post-war time to house warehouses, a bomb shelter, command center, etc.
• Rossgarten Gate is one of the most beautiful in the city. Like their other "brothers", they are not used for their intended purpose. Now there is a cafe on this territory, and in the casemates there are utility rooms: a kitchen, a locker room, and warehouses.
• Friedrichsburg Gate became the premises for one of the branches of the Museum of the World Ocean. Here tourists can see paintings and illustrations on the marine and shipbuilding topics.
• The Brandenburg Gate is the only one of the eight available in the city that functions for its intended purpose. Today trams run under them. Pedestrian openings were closed during the restoration.
• Zakheim Gate is currently used for social events, various concerts, meetings and conferences.
• Royal - the most beautiful gate of Kaliningrad. Today this building is the property of the Museum of the World Ocean. The gates suffered many reconstructions and were even abandoned for more than a decade.
• Railway gates are practically not used for their intended purpose. A pedestrian path leads to the park. At the bottom, this gate looks more like a tunnel. The rails in these tunnels were preserved, but the traffic stopped for a long time.

Buildings of Kaliningrad, which are historical and architectural monuments

The city has many historical buildings that have been recognized as architectural monuments. This is not surprising, because Kaliningrad is a city with a long history. Here you can see the buildings not only of the Soviet era, but also buildings erected by the German population. On some of these structures even authentic German inscriptions have been preserved.

The list of ancient buildings of Kaliningrad:

• The royal gate. This beautiful building is recognized as an architectural monument. Of course, these gates were reconstructed, but from this they did not lose their splendor.
• Wooden hunting castle. The building was erected in 1893. For its construction, only natural wooden building materials brought from Norway were used. This building was intended for the reception of guests. State officials and ministers who came from abroad have lived here more than once.
• The building of the FSB. Built in 1914. Initially, the famous Gestapo was located here. Later, during the time of the Soviet Union, the premises served to house the NKVD department. Currently, the FSB is located here.
• Palace of Culture of Sailors. Previously, this majestic building housed the stock exchange. The refined design of the building corresponds to the architecture of Kaliningrad. Columns, capitals, and balustrades are present here. The staircase at the entrance to the building is decorated with lions, which hold the coats of arms of the city of Koenigsberg.
• The building of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Initially, the building was intended for music events.
• KSTU. The building was erected in 1917. This is a whole complex. The courts were located here. There were many horrific stories associated with this place. They have reached our days. Today, the building is a university. And only in one of the facilities of the complex is a pre-trial detention center.
• Koenigsberg University. In honor of its founder, he received another name - "Albertina". Kaliningrad can be proud of this building. Currently, there is a BFU them. Kant. Albertina in Kaliningrad is the oldest Prussian university.

• Friedrichsburg Gate.
• Rossgarten Gate.
• Brandenburg Gate.

Ethnographic complex in Kaliningrad

In 2006, the construction of a large shopping complex began in the city. Centuries earlier, a fish market was located at this place. It was famous for the presence of quality products, it was a place of constant fun and loud screams. For the construction of an ethnographic shopping complex, the place was chosen not by chance, but in accordance with historical facts.

The building was erected in the spirit of Kaliningrad architecture. Building style - antique, or fachwerk. There is something to see for curious tourists. And the name of the complex is appropriate - "Fish Village". Of course, the specialists were not able to achieve perfect similarity with the old German buildings, but this was not required. The main purpose of the construction of the "Fish Village" was to decorate the promenade near the island of Kant. It really succeeded. At the moment, the complex is fully completed.

Perhaps in the future, in the style of German architecture in Kaliningrad, on the embankment, other buildings will be built.

What interesting places to visit here?

1. Lighthouse. In fact, this is a view tower, which not only visitors to the city, but also its indigenous people are eager to visit. The fact is that it offers a beautiful view of the city, namely its center. An iron gull is installed at the top of the lighthouse. It is believed that she fulfills desires. To do this, you need to mentally ask her for something and stroke her on the sides. Climbing the stairs up, you can take interesting photos with standing figures of a monkey or a skipper. You can also see real knightly armor here, taking pictures with them is also not prohibited. The staircase itself consists of 133 steps. A person who nevertheless mastered such a climb will be able to visit the coffee shop and the open gallery, which leads to the hotel.

2. Information centre. Here you can buy a variety of souvenirs. A large number of amber products vacationers buy here. Also in the information center is a travel company specializing in various tours and excursions.

3. Entertainment center "River Station". This office specializes in river walks. The prices here are varied and depend on the chosen walk.

4. Hotel "Skipper". It is located in the "Fish Village". Many vacationers are located here, since prices and service are more than satisfactory.

The most famous unfinished building in Kaliningrad

The House of Soviets is the most famous long-term construction of the city. The building is not completed today. Many believe that it was erected on the site of the famous Koenigsberg castle. Actually this is not true. The House of Soviets was built on the site of a moat adjacent to the castle.

The construction began in 1970. The Department of Urban Planning and Architecture of the City of Kaliningrad for several years developed a plan for the construction of the building. It was planned that this would be not one skyscraper, but two, interconnected by two transitions at different levels. According to the architectural concept, the House of Soviets was to be a tall building of 28 floors. The nearby territory should have been landscaped. Planned placement of flower beds, fountains and venues for concert events.

According to the architectural style, the building of the House of Soviets in Kaliningrad can be attributed to the Stalinist building. Construction was stopped at a time when the building was almost completed. The problem was not only a lack of funding, but also that the soil was not strong enough at the construction site.

Initially, the city administration was to be located here, as its old building became unusable.

Historical buildings of Kaliningrad

The city has many buildings with a long history. These are remnants of the German era. Many of them are restored and reconstructed. And some, unfortunately, have been wiped off the face of the earth by wars or simply demolished. For example, the famous Koenigsberg castle. Almost nothing remained of him. Although the city administration has repeatedly thought about its restoration.

One of the oldest buildings in Kaliningrad that has survived to this day is the Cathedral. It is located on the island of Kneiphof. Its construction dates back to the 14th century.

In the postwar period, the cathedral was the only surviving building on the island. He was saved from demolition and complete destruction only by the argument that near his wall there is the grave of the famous and well-known Immanuel Kant. Due to the fact that the Soviet authorities respected his memory, the building of the Cathedral was not demolished, but simply mothballed.

The restoration and restoration of the Cathedral began in 1994. The architects did not pass over the grave of the famous philosopher. Restoration work was carried out until 2005.

Another historical building of Kaliningrad is the church of Louise. This building was built in 1901 in honor of Queen Louise. This Lutheran church was empty for a long time, as it was subject to destruction during the Great Patriotic War. Restoration of the building began only in 1976. Here is a puppet museum, which operates today.

The history of the buildings of Kaliningrad is very interesting and fascinating. For example, the Holy Family Church, built in 1907. As planned by the architect, calm and grace were to reign here. It was believed that a person who attended this church would feel the presence of the spirit of Jesus Christ and his parents. Wedding or baptismal ceremonies were held in the Holy Family Church, but the requiem never took place in this church. Currently, the church is not used for its intended purpose. Here is the Philharmonic.

The city of eight bridges

Kaliningrad is a city of not only eight gates, but also eight bridges. Initially, there were seven. The fact is that Koenigsberg was divided into several parts: Lomze, Altstadt, Forstadt, Kneiphof. To connect between them and the full life of the city began to build bridges. Each of them had its own name. All seven bridges were movable. Another was later built.

1. The high bridge was built in 1520. He served for more than 300 years to connect the islands of Lomse and Forstadt. In 1882 it was reconstructed, and in 1938 it was completely demolished. The new High Bridge was built next to the old one. He survived today. The last reconstruction was carried out in 2018.
2. The wooden bridge was erected in 1404. The townspeople used this bridge for a long time. And in 1904, a new one was built on the site of the old Wooden Bridge. It was already a metal structure. But the name has been preserved. In 2018, the bridge was reconstructed. The building is recognized as an architectural monument of Kaliningrad.
3. The honey bridge was erected in 1542, and in 1882 it was rebuilt anew. Today is a pedestrian. Its adjustable mechanism does not work. The latest changes were made in 2018: they removed the old paving stones.
4. A two-tier bridge was built over 13 years (1913-1926). This is due to the First World War. The bridge is designed for automobile traffic on the first tier and railway on the second. In the last year of World War II, the Bunk Bridge was blown up by fascist troops. But already in 1949 it was restored. The building functions for its intended purpose today.
5. The Palmsburg bridge, or Berlin, was built in 1938, and in 1945 it was blown up, as well as the Two-tier. He was later restored. But in 2016, the Berlin bridge was demolished and a new one was built in its place.
6. Theatrical - was built in 1906, and in 2002 there was a major overhaul.
7. The Jubilee Bridge is the youngest in Kaliningrad. It was built in 2005.
8. Elevated - built instead of Green and Shop. It was built in 1972 and is currently operating.

There were 2 more bridges in Kaliningrad, which, unfortunately, were not preserved.

1. Green - connected the islands of Forstadt and Kneiphof. Built in 1322. In 1907, it underwent a major reconstruction, and later, in 1972, it was replaced by the Trestle.
2. Blacksmithing - built in 1397. Its function was to connect the islands of Altstadt and Kneiphof. The bridge got its name due to the fact that forge shops were located near it. Initially, the bridge flooring was made of boards. Later, in 1787, they were replaced. And in 1896, the bridge underwent reconstruction and was decorated with decorative elements. In the same year he became adjustable. During the war, the bridge was destroyed and not rebuilt.

Gothic in Kaliningrad

The Gothic architecture of Kaliningrad can be observed mainly in churches and kirches.

1. Kirche Juditten. Its construction dates back to the end of the 13th century (1288). This is the oldest building in Kaliningrad. Initially, the building was intended not only to house the church. It also served as a fortress. A century later, the church began to be used by the Livonian and Teutonic orders. Since 1985, the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas was housed in the church.
2. Kirche Arnau was built at the beginning of the 14th century. Located in the nearby village of Rodniki. Despite the fact that the interior decoration, of course, did not survive, some fragments of the unique frescoes survived. You can see bible stories on them. This church is also famous for the fact that one of the Prussian presidents, Theodor von Schön, was buried near it. Currently, the building is an Orthodox church.
   
3. Kirche Rosenau. This church began to be built back in 1914, but construction stopped due to the outbreak of the First World War. Resumed work only in 1925. During the Great Patriotic War, the church practically did not suffer, it was slightly damaged. And at the moment it houses the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
4. Kirche Neuhausen. Laid in 1350, located a few kilometers from the city. Since 1922, the building belongs to the New Apostolic community.
5. Kirche Ponart. This is the most beautiful church in the city. It was erected later than the others, in 1897. The war did not affect the state of the church. It is perfectly preserved both externally and internally. Now here is the Orthodox Church, as in other churches.
6. Kirche Tarau. The construction was built in 1350. Surprisingly, the church was virtually unaffected during the war years. But time did not spare the building, and its stone arch was destroyed. The object is currently empty. Restoration work is underway.

All the kirches are vivid examples of the German architecture of Kaliningrad. Gothic is its integral part.

The city's attractions

In addition to historical and architectural monuments, there are many other interesting places in Kaliningrad that are worth visiting.

1. Cathedral of Christ the Savior. This is a relatively young building. The church was erected in 2006 in the Vladimir-Suzdal style. The building is quite impressive in size. Its height is 51 meters.
   
2. Museum located on a submarine. Here you can see exhibits dedicated to the history of the navy. Previously, the submarine served the Northern Fleet. It has been used for its intended purpose for more than 30 years.
3. Amber Museum.Here are the most interesting and beautiful exhibits. They are different in shape and color. Some of them are of historical value.
4. Theatre of Drama. The building in which the theater is located previously belonged to a German troupe. Here you can see various performances of world classics.
5. Fort. This is an old building of the late 19th century. In wartime, the building was badly damaged and was almost destroyed. Today, restoration work is underway here.
6. Monument to Baron Munchausen, erected in 2005.
7. Park "Youth". This recreation area was created during the accession of Kaliningrad to the Soviet Union.
8. Kant Botanical Garden. Here you can take a walk in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of a variety of trees, shrubs and flower beds. At the moment, more than 2500 plants are growing in the botanical garden.
9. Zoo. Today, more than 3000 individuals (more than 300 species of animals) live here.
10. Bunker. This is an old building, located underground, at a depth of 7 meters. During the Great Patriotic War, there really was a bunker belonging to German troops. Inside 21 rooms. Guided tours are available here.
11. The ship "Hero". The ship participated in multiple research expeditions. Despite the fact that the ship was made by German builders, it managed to visit more than one flag.
12. Amalienau. This is the district of the city where the old mansions were housed, the architects of which were famous Prussian craftsmen.

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that the city of Kaliningrad is rich in a variety of architectural monuments. This is not surprising. After all, Kaliningrad is a city with a long history. It combines the structures of different eras and invariably attracts the attention of tourists. A person who finds himself in the city should definitely see his sights, historical buildings, museums, gates and bridges. All this will leave an unforgettable impression of the city.