Kaliningrad is a city with a difficult fate and an interesting history, with a German past and a Russian present. Absorbing memories of different eras and experiencing the reigns of different dynasties and countries, the city has turned into a beautiful distinctive city. The atmosphere of comfort and good nature, friendly residents, interesting museums and events every year attract thousands of new tourists here, and those who have been here are invited to come back again. Let's talk about the most interesting sights of Kaliningrad.
Amber Museum
Dedicated to only one "sun stone" - the only one of its kind in the country. The collection includes over 16,000 items. The largest of them weighs over 4 kilograms. The expositions of the natural science department offer to enjoy the collections of amber of different colors, sizes and transparency. The cultural and historical section presents household items and amber jewelry from different historical eras.
Incredibly beautiful products using this mineral will not leave anyone indifferent! A separate exposition is dedicated to the Könsingsberg amber manufactory. The Amber House exhibition acquaints visitors with the works of contemporary masters. The museum is actively involved in cultural and social life - there is held "Alatyr" - a biennial of author's products from amber, a jewelry competition. It is located in the building of the Fortress Tower, built in the middle of the 19th century and which is a monument of the Second World War.
- Address: Marshal Vasilevsky Square, 1.
- Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10: 00-18: 00, until 19:00 open from May to September
- Price: 150/350 rub. (Children Adults)
- You can get there by tram # 5; minibuses No. 92,74,68,64 and buses No. 44,40,37,32,29,28,21,19.
Museum "Bunker"
Also known as Lyash's Bunker or Bunker, it is a bomb shelter. It was built in the 2nd World War for the head of the defense of the city, Otto von Läsch. The exposition of the museum acquaints with the history of hostilities during the capture of the fortified city by the troops of the USSR during the war; the interior of the office of General Lyash and the chief of staff Süskind-Shwendi is also presented. There is a myth that Hitler issued a decree to forge a gate that previously closed the entrance to the bomb shelter (now a museum exhibit) to protect against the magic of this headquarters. Tours are conducted in 2 languages - Russian. and it.
Opening hours: daily, 10: 00-19: 00.
Price: 100/200 rub. (Children Adults)
Address: st. Universitetskaya 2a. Public transport stop "Hotel Kaliningrad".
Royal gate
One of the 7 surviving city gates. The very first were built in 1843. The present version of the neo-Gothic gate was built in the 19th century. on the site of the Gumbinnen gate. Here you can see portraits of the Prussian Duke Albrecht I, the King of Bohemia Ottakar II and the King of Prussia Frederick I, as well as the coats of arms of some houses and lands. Since 2005, there is a branch of the Museum of the World Ocean - "The Great Embassy". The expositions are dedicated to the history of the fortress city of Königsberg, including visits by prominent people.
Opening hours: from 11 am to 7 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.
You can get there by buses No. 28,45,37; route taxis 4, 77, 78, 80. Stop "Royal Gate".
Church of the Holy Family
It was erected in the beginning. 20th century neo-gothic architectural style. Sometimes she was also called Katerinen Kirche, because nearby was the hospital of St. Catherine. It is noteworthy that a memorial service was never held in this temple - only ceremonies and baptisms and weddings (since its creator, German architect Friedrich Heitmann, believed that it should become a "family home").
Eight boys who enrolled in the organ playing class on the eve of the war never started their studies - they all became soldiers and died in the war. Fortunately, being in a dense building of residential buildings, the church was not badly damaged during the war. In the post-war period it was used as a warehouse, then it was restored and now it is a concert hall of the Kaliningrad Philharmonic named after I. V. Svetlanova.
An organ is installed in the hall, the design of which allows performing the most complex organ music. An international organ music festival is held annually in the Church of the Holy Family. Concerts of various musical styles are constantly held.
Philharmonic ticket office is open from 11:00 to 19:00
You can get there by tram 3, bus 64 or 93. Exact address: st. Bohdan Khmelnitsky 61, a (not far from the South Station)
Koenigsberg castle
Königsber Castle (other names: Order Castle, Royal Castle) is a castle built in the middle of the 13th century during the reign of the Czech king. During its existence, the castle was the seat of the Teutonic Order, later - the Duke of Prussia, then became the place of coronations of the kings of Prussia. Before the war, public and administrative institutions were located within the walls of the castle. During the storming of the city, the castle was destroyed by the Anglo-American aircraft.
In 1967, by decision of the government of the USSR, the ruins were blown up, and the Central Square was organized on the site of the castle. Königsber Castle is the last location of the world famous masterpiece - the amber room, which disappeared after the war and has not yet been found. After the war, with financial assistance from Germany, a museum was organized dedicated to the excavation of the castle ruins. Unfortunately, the work was suspended, although the site was still opened.
In 2015, a decision was made to restore the East and West wings. In 2016, excavations of the foundations and surviving cellars began. During the tour, on the observation deck, you can get acquainted with the history of the construction and destruction of the castle, the history of the city as a whole. Knight tournaments and folklore festivals of artisans are often held here.
How to get there: trolleybuses No. 7,2; buses No. 72,75,93 to the stop “Oktyabrskaya”.
The exact address is st. Shevchenko, 2 (near the House of Soviets).
Cathedral
The Cathedral is another decoration of the city. The beginning of construction dates back to the XIV century. Initially designed as a defensive structure, burned down in a wooden form, being destroyed during the 2nd World War, but still each time rebuilding again under the influence of different eras and architectural trends, the cathedral has undergone many alterations. The master of the Teutonic Order, Duke Albrecht of Brandeburg, was buried here. Since the 16th century, professors from the University of Königsberg have been buried in a gallery on the north side of the cathedral choir.
The last to receive such a high honor was Immanuel Kant in 1804. Now in the building of the cathedral Protestant and Orthodox chapels peacefully coexist. The museum in the tower part is dedicated to the history of the cathedral, the history of the island of Kneiphof and Immanuel Kant. The clock on the tower of the cathedral, despite its age, is the most accurate, even connected to satellite communications.
How to get there: bus 93, 72, 75, trolleybus 7, 2 - stops "SK Yunost", "st. October "
Exact address: st. Kant, 1
History and Art Museum
In 1990, the museums "KP 43 Army", "K. Donelaitis Museum", "Blindage" and "Sculpture Park" became branches of the "Kaliningrad Regional Museum of History and Art". The official opening of the first exhibition in the main building (the former Stadthalle concert hall, built in 1912) took place in 1991. Today, here you can see collections of archeology, rare books and historical documents, sculpture, painting, graphics, arts and crafts, weapons, numismatic collections, and amber products.
This museum is the main cultural and historical center of the region. Permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions, cultural events, master classes, quests - the life of the museum is constantly in full swing.
Opening hours: from 10 am to 6 pm Tue-Sun, ticket office - until 5 pm.
How to get there: trams # 5,3 - stop "House of Life". Clinical, 21
Zoo
One of the oldest in Russia. More than 2 thousand animals live on its territory. The zoo opened its doors to visitors back in 1896 after an industrial exhibition, the pavilions of which served as the first home for the inhabitants of the zoo. In 1912, on its territory, the first Prussian Ethnographic Museum was created in Germany (namely, Königsberg was part of this country at that time).
The zoo experienced its rebirth after the 1st. During World War II, battles were fought on the territory of the zoo. Only four animals survived: a donkey, a deer, a badger and a hippopotamus, which was wounded 7 times, but still survived.
Today the zoo is a living monument of history, an excellent resting place. The zoo has animals from all over the world. In addition, several historical buildings have survived. In the center of the park there is a beautiful fountain (its jets are 18 meters high !!!). The zoo regularly organizes cultural events for the townspeople, parties for children. Here you can celebrate your birthday. The zoo also has a house for contact animals.
Mode of operation. During the summer period (May-15 September) the zoo is open from 9 am to 8 pm all days. Most of the divisions close at 19:45. On Thursday, the Tropical House is open until 18:30. The aquarium is open from 10 am to 18:45, the terrarium is the same, but except Thursday. The pet store is open from 9 am to 7 pm. In winter (October - March) the zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week.
How to get there: trolleybuses 2, 5, 6; buses 92, 72, 74, 61, 63 to the stop "Zoo". Address: Prospect Mira, 26. The pet store is located on the street. Tchaikovskaya.
Art Gallery
It was created in 1988. During its relatively short period of existence, it managed to acquire a unique collection of works of art. The collection includes about 14 thousand works, representing exhibitions of painting, facsimile, graphics, sculpture, folk crafts, history and culture of East Prussia. At the moment, this is the only thin one. museum in the region.
In addition, it is here that the largest collection of works by the famous avant-garde artist Eliy Belyutin is kept. In the section “Realisms of the XX century” you can get acquainted with the art of the socialist era at the end of the last millennium. Each year, the gallery organizes up to 50 temporary exhibitions, including from the Russian Museum and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, from the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, from the Kete Kollwitz Museum in Cologne, from the Goethe-Institut and many other museums.
The gallery also actively conducts pedagogical activities - art studios and lectures are organized. The gallery is the main organizer of the Kaliningrad-Königsberg Biennial of the Baltic Sea Countries, one of the main cultural events in the region.
Opening hours: Fri-Wed from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday - from 10 am to 9 pm.
How to get there: trolleybus 2.7; bus 75 to the stop "Art Gallery".
Zakheim gate
One of the seven city gates of the city - the Zakheim Gate - nowadays is the "Gate" art space. The name comes from a small Prussian town that was once located in this place - Zakheim (translation - a porter of sacks). The first wooden gates were built on the site of the current ones in the XII century. The modern version was built in the 19th century. The inner portal of the gate is decorated with crabs and cruciferous flowers. On the sides of the main passage there are 2 towers with narrow lancet windows, on top they are covered with decorative crowns. Previously used as a gateway to the city. In the evening they were closed and a guard was organized in front of them. It was possible to get to the city only from dawn to dusk.
At night, an exception was made only for priests and doctors. During the war, they functioned as a warehouse. Later it housed a gym, a hardware store, a disco, and a newspaper office. Today, within the framework of the art platform, there is a gallery of contemporary young art, a coffee shop "Bread and Turk", a coworking space and a workshop. Every 2 weeks, exhibitions of contemporary art by local authors are held, interregional and international exhibitions are organized, as well as lectures, film festivals, master classes, and conferences.
Opening hours: from 9 am to 9 pm Mon - Fri, from 10 am to 10 pm - Sat-Sun. How to get there: trolleybuses 7, 2; buses 74, 75 to the stop "Zakheim Gate". Address: st. Lithuanian shaft, 61.
Brandenburg Gate
The only ones in the city that still perform their original function. The name of the gate was given from the small village of Brandeburg on the Frisching River - the order's fortress. Now it is the village of Ushakovo. Built in stone by order of King Frederick II, instead of wooden gates, they were rebuilt and restored several times. They have two passages. In their architecture, even more than in other gates of the city, Gothic motives stand out.
The portraits depict General Hermann von Boyen and Ernst von Astor. During the war, the casemates of the gates were the place of concentration of guides and attacking groups. Like many other gates in the city after the war, it was used as a warehouse. For some time there was a beer bar "At the Gate". Since 1960 are a cultural heritage site of the city.
How to get there: tram 3; trolleybuses 1, 5, 9; buses 63, 71, 64 to the stop "Bagration".
Address: st. Bagration, 137.
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
For a long time, services of the Orthodox Church were held in the buildings of German religious buildings. The construction of the new Temple, designed by the architect Kopylov, began in the 1990s. On April 30, 1995, on the day of the 10th anniversary of the life of Orthodoxy in the land of Kaliningrad, it began its activities. The architecture is based on the idea of creating an ensemble similar to the Vladimir-Suzdal architecture. The golden shine of the five domes of the white-stone Temple is similar to the Pskov Kremlin.
The domes of the cathedral have a helmet-like shape, like those of ancient Byzantine temples. There are 13 domes of different sizes on the belfry of the church. The total height is 69 m. The upper church (accommodates 3000 parishioners) is dedicated to the Nativity of Christ. The lower church is located in the basement. It was erected in honor of the miraculous image of Christ and is designed for 200 people and is considered a temple, a monument of military valor to the soldiers of Russia who died in the Seven Years War. The ensemble includes a parish school and a refectory.
Address: Victory Square, 2a.
Holy Cross Cathedral
One of the last pre-war monuments from Lutheran architecture, erected in 1933. The architecture of the building corresponds to the Art Nouveau style with Gothic elements. Previously, the church was called the Church of the Cross (Kreuzkirchen). The central facade of the austere, slightly gloomy building is decorated with a mosaic depicting a Protestant cross, a wind rose, ornamentation with lilies of the ruling Bourbons. During the last world war, one of the towers of the church was completely burned down.
The restoration of the church began in the 90s of the last century. Kirkha was the main Cathedral of the Orthodox Church before the illumination of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The original interior decoration of the church has not survived. Now its interior is decorated according to the requirements of the traditions of Orthodoxy. The unusually beautiful amber iconostasis is considered the main decoration of the new church.
Address: st. Pavlova, 2, Oktyabrsky Island. Working hours from Monday to Saturday: from 10 to 17 hours. On Saturday and Sunday it is open until 20.30 pm.
Curonian Spit
The unique nature reserve is located in the area of the Klaipeda Strait, which connects the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. In historical sources, the Curonian Spit under the name Nestland (Land of Nests) has been mentioned since the period of 1258, when the Curonians lived here. During the reign of the Germans, the sandbank was called Kurishe-Nerung.Now (since 1947), territorially, part of the Curonian Spit belongs to the Kaliningrad region of Russia, part to Lithuania.
The length of the land strip is 98 km. The width of the widest section is 3.8 km, the narrowest is only 400 m. About half of the length of the spit belongs to Russia. After the border strip (2 km long), the territory of Lithuania begins. On Russian territory there is the Curonian Spit Park, formed in 1987, and several settlements (for example, the village of Rybachy with a population of 1556 people). On the Lithuanian side, the largest village is Nida, and natural attractions are united by the protected zone of the National Park, created in 1991.
A visit to one of the wonders of nature, immerses a person in the atmosphere of music created by beautiful sand dunes. An extraordinary plant world, a talkative bird colony and fairy tales created here by the great German storyteller Hoffmann. You can come to the spit by ferry, bus alone or together with numerous excursions.
Research vessel "Vityaz"
The famous ship was the flagship of the fleet of ships for expeditions to the USSR. From 1949 to 1979, scientists of the Academy of Sciences made 69 flights on it. In total, the ship conquered 800,000 miles of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian oceans. It made a great contribution to the biological research of the depths of the underwater world. During the expeditions, 1176 unexplored species of plants and animals were discovered on the ship. All voyages of the vessel were of a thematic nature (geological-physical, geological, hydrological).
The first voyage of the vessel took place in the Black Sea. For many years it was assigned to Vladivostok, making voyages in the northern seas of Russia. Many "white spots" of the relief of the Pacific, Indian oceans have been discovered and explored. The world map shows the coordinates of the Kuril-Kamchatka trench, the Deryugin and Tiiro depressions, the Shatsky and Obruchev uplands, and the East Indian ridge. The ridges of Lanka, Vityaz, Shchirshov, Bogorov, Shokalsky. Now the ship "Vityaz" is considered the main exhibit of the Museum of the World Ocean.
In the restored premises (including the captain's cabin, the wardroom) there are interesting exhibitions dedicated to the history of discoveries related to shipping. Attraction address: Embankment of Peter the Great, 1. The ship is open for visiting from 10 to 18. Weekends on Monday, Tuesday.
Wrangel Tower
Kaliningrad appeared in 1255 and has always played the role of a fortress city. The rulers of all centuries paid special attention to the defensive, defensive structures of the city. They were constantly being modernized, the system of pillboxes and towers was changing. The territory protected by the walls of the fortifications increased. The three-story, massive Wrangel Tower was built in the period 1843 - 1853. The thickness of the outer walls made of clinker bricks is 1.35m. The base of the tower has a diameter of 34 m. The height of the tower is 12 m.
It is surrounded by a moat. There were firearms in 42 casemates and 30 turrets of the fortification. Now the building has been restored, there are cafes, souvenir shops, exhibition halls. Here you can hear about the life of the legendary Wrangel, after whom the tower is named. The famous sculpture "German Michel" is located next to the eastern rampart of the fortification. The tall bronze sculpture is considered the symbol of the national hero of German fairy tales. The tower is located at st. Baranova, 2 a.
Fishing village
The Rybnaya Derevnya ensemble is built on the site of an old fish market and is considered the “pearl of the city”. Its infrastructure includes interesting places of the whole quarter of the city: the view tower "Mayak", the sports club "Rowing club". Shopping complex "Pregolsky passage", hotel "Suvorov", towers, old quarters. In souvenir shops you can buy original products from amber mined in the region. The Information Center "Rybnaya Derevnya" has an office offering interesting proposals for business tours.
As in the old days in this quarter, among the buildings stylized in the architectural style of old Germany, there is a brisk trade, a cheerful life. You can always take part in a walk along the Pregolya River from the "River Station" of the Fish Village. And look at the landmark, the city from the places of the ancient fishermen living in these places. The attraction is located between Oktyabrskaya Street and the Pregolya River.
Amalienau district
The old historical center of the city was almost completely destroyed during the war. Some houses, cathedrals, city gates have been preserved. Among these attractions is the Amalienau district, which was built up with villas for the wealthy according to an approved project, with special requirements. All villas must be two-storey (no more), spaced 30 meters apart. They were built according to a specific project and were decorated with original elements of external decoration.
The first three-storey villa appeared here in 1930. In the area named after a wealthy noble estate, there are the following attractions: squares in honor of Queen Louise, Stars, King Friedrich Wilhelm Street. Kirkhi, puppet theater, Gemini pond, Interesting places are located in the central area of the city between Pobedy Avenue, Lesoparkova, Yanalova, Krasnaya streets.
Tomb of Immanuel Kant
The island of Kant is considered a popular destination. This is one of the most beautiful natural places in the city. There is a Cathedral on the island. Next to him is Kant's grave and museum. The ashes of the great philosopher after his death were buried in the tomb located in the Cathedral. In 1880, a neo-Gothic chapel was erected over the grave.
She stood until 1918. In honor of the 200th anniversary, an annex with a small columned hall was built in its place. It has survived to the present day. Now the Immanuel Kant memorial ensemble includes a massive cenotaph sarcophagus made of dark marble and a stone colonnade. A commemorative plaque is located on the wall of the Cathedral. Two bridges lead to the island, and you can drive along Leningradsky Prospekt or along Oktyabrskaya Street.
Monument to Baron Munchausen
Of the many monuments of the city, this one is considered the most fun, beloved by residents and guests. It was installed in 2005 in the Central Park of the city on the initiative of a public organization named "Munchausen's grandchildren". The sculpture was donated in honor of the 750th anniversary of Kaliningrad by the administration of the German city of Bodenwerder.
It was the birthplace of the famous baron, who was twice in Konigsberg. As conceived by the architect, the sculpture is a wall of steel with the figure of a baron flying on a ball. The historical connection of the two cities is emphasized by the embossed names: Kaliningrad and Keningsberg on both sides of the pedestal. This is the first monument erected in honor of the German hero after the transfer of the city to Russia. The sculpture was installed on Victory Square, 1 next to the church of Queen Louise.
Sculpture "Fighting Bison"
German animal sculptor August Gaul created a sculpture for installation on the Hoofen alley in front of the house of the state court. At the same time, one bison symbolized the prosecutor, the other - the defender. She is sometimes referred to as "The Prosecutor and Defense Counsel." By the way, it was originally planned to install the sculpture on the territory of the archbishop's castle, but then it was donated to Koenigsberg for arranging the fountain and installed in 1912. Now the technical university is located in the courthouse.
The appearance of a large number of young people near the sculpture changed the atmosphere around it. There is a fountain here, a summer cafe “At the Bulls” appeared near the square, youth concerts began to sound, funny traditions appeared in the form of coloring the spicy places of bulls with red paint before Easter holidays. The attraction is located on Prospekt Mira.
Submarine Museum "B-413"
Huge underwater submarines, built using the latest technical technologies, solve important problems of protecting the borders of any state. Only specialists can assess their complexity and power. Ordinary people can touch the secrets of the country's military past by visiting the unique submarine B-413, created in 1968 according to project 641. She served in combat from 1969 to 1990 as part of the Northern Fleet. Here she took first place in mine installations, was awarded the "Excellent ship" badge. The uniqueness of the vessel lies in the preservation of its original appearance.
This is a diesel-electric version (now the seas and oceans are plowed by nuclear submarines) 91 m long, 8.5 m wide with several compartments, a preserved periscope. The vessel could submerge to a depth of 400 m. The sailing time was up to 80 days. Visitors can see the main auxiliary devices of the boat, instruments, weapons. Take part in a role-playing game (up to 15 people at a time), becoming active crew members. The boat is located at the pier of the Museum of the World Ocean.
Botanical Garden
An interesting fund of the Botanical Garden is located on the territory of the old Köningsber gardening, which has become a training base for botany and ecology at the Immanuel Kant University. The modern Botanical Garden covers an area of about 13 hectares and contains 2500 plant species. On the territory there is a pond, greenhouses, 6 greenhouses, a tree nursery. Among them are 30 species of protected plants. These are berry yew, junipers, black pine, lapina fruit wing, marsh cypress, etc. A rose garden and a place for growing 50 varieties of daylilies and other flower crops are organized in the garden.
The founder of the garden (1904) is the German professor Paul Kayuer, who gathered here the first collections of winter-hardy plants, representatives of the tropics, subtropics and built the first greenhouses. The years of the scientist's life are written on a granite boulder in the garden. Among the garden's collections there are many plants listed in the Red Data Books of Russia and the Baltic countries. The Botanical Garden is located in the area of Lesnaya and Molodezhnaya streets.
Central park
The formation of the park began in 1786 at the request of a friend of Immanuel Kant, burgomaster Theodor Gottlieb von Hippel on the territory of his own estate. In the period 1808 = 1901, the beautiful green area was considered the summer residence of the King of Prussia. In memory of Queen Louise, who loved the park, a Kirche was erected, which now houses a puppet theater. In 1914, the park was transferred to the city. Today, the 47-hectare park includes the pre-war zone of Luisanval and the third Aldstadt cemetery.
Since 2007, it has received the status of the city's cultural heritage. The park contains some of the city's attractions. Among them are monuments to Baron Munchausen, Vladimir Vysotsky, Queen Louise's pavilion. Two fountains were built (one of them "Shutiha" was created according to the type of the Peterhof fountains), the singing stage was restored in 2005.
For vacationers in the park, there are numerous cafes, attractions, playgrounds, trampolines, a Ferris wheel, a track for year-round tubing. The park is open from 10 am to 7.30 pm. Day off on Thursday.
Museum of the World Ocean
This is the first Russian marine museum. Its purpose is to address the following issues:
- Formation of a modern understanding of the existence of the World Ocean. Roles of Russia in his research.
- Study of maritime history, culture of the Baltic.
- Preservation of the historical significance of the development of shipping in Russia.
- Development of the aquarium business of the seas, monitoring of the surrounding water spaces.
Several scientific laboratories function, conferences, symposia, exhibitions are held. Of great interest are the real ships of the past, exhibited in the harbor. Here you can visit the famous ships "Vityaz", "Cosmonaut Viktor Patsaev", who served in space exploration of the USSR. Icebreaker "Krasin", the first models of submarines, old anchors, cannons.
Interesting expositions dedicated to the flora, fauna of the seas, hydrology, and the geology of the oceans have been organized. The collections "Pearls of the Sea", "Coral Gardens" contain about 6 thousand shells of various mollusks, over 300 samples of corals. Rare tropical fish species swim in the museum's aquariums. The collection of samples of paleontology, geology contains elements of different continents, giving an idea of the structure of the seabed and coasts.
The museum is constantly expanding, supplemented by new expositions, modern buildings.
- Address: nab. Peter the Great, 1.
- Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10:00 - 18:00.
- Price: complex ticket 400/600 rubles. (Children Adults).
Kaliningrad Regional Drama Theater
The first performance of the Kaliningrad Region Drama Theater was the premiere of A Guy from Our City by Simonov in the year of its opening in 1947. The first troupe of the theater was formed from graduates of GITIS, class of I.M. Raevsky. The new building of the drama theater was erected according to the project of P. Kukhtenkov in 1960 and opened with the play "The boundless ones" Wirths. The theater was included in the list of the leading institutions in Russia that promote its cultural traditions.
In the first decade of this century, the director of the theater was People's Artist M.A.Sales. Some of the productions created under his direction are still going on. For example, "Guilty Without Guilt", "Vassa Zheleznova", "Trees Die Standing", "Lord Fauntleroy". The last performance won the 2010 National Art Prize for Children "Harlequin".
In October 2010, M.A. Andreev. Theater performances, many of which have become cult, are popular with residents and guests of the city. The regional theater is located on Mira Avenue, 4.
Königsberg Stock Exchange building
Quite recently, the Museum of Fine Arts was located in the new building of the stock exchange at 83 Leninsky Prospect. It is located on the banks of the Pregolya near the Trestle Bridge. Since 1960 it bears the status of an architectural monument of Russia. Historically, this is not the first exchange building. The city's first stock exchange was on the opposite side and was built of wood in 1623. On the site of the old building, a new stone was built in 1798. It burned down two years later. The third building was erected in 1801. In 1875 it was completely demolished due to the need to widen the adjacent street.
The latest version of the stock exchange building was designed by the architect Müller. It was badly damaged during the war and stood in ruins for almost two decades. Used only as live scenery in filming. The reconstruction of the building was carried out in full preservation of the style (Italian neo-Renaissance). It has preserved two large halls, a covered gallery overlooking the river.
Initially, the Palace of Culture of Sailors was located here, there were numerous circles for youth, a literary theater. Now it is planned to create a single Museum Quarter in the city by 2020, which will also include the building of the Königsberg Stock Exchange, the symbol of which is the famous lions - shield holders.
Fort number 5 - King Frederick William III
The city of Königsberg began its history in 1255 as a fortress of the Teutonic Order of the Crusaders. Until 1721, only the castle on the Pregel River was called that. Subsequently, the small settlements of Kneiphof, Lebenikht, Altstadt went to its territory. They had to be guarded, protected from numerous enemies. Therefore, fortifications and forts were built on all sides of the city throughout its history. The fortification, named after the king of Prussia, who led the country during the war with Napoleon, defended the city from the side of the road to Pillau.
One of the 12 forts located along the perimeter of the ring road, Fort No. 5 was built at the end of the 19th century and entered the ring called the "Konigsberg Night Feather".A hexagonal structure made of red brick, concrete, surrounded by water, an earthen rampart with trenches, firing positions and walls up to 5 m thick. A war memorial has been set up on the territory of the fort in honor of the Soviet soldiers who died during the assault. 15 names of the Heroes of the Soviet Union are written on the memorial stone.
The open exposition of the History and Art Museum is of interest. It includes cannons, anti-aircraft guns, the famous Katyusha, depth charges. Museum address: Klinicheskaya street, 21. Open daily from 10 to 20 hours.
Friedland gate
One of the gates leading to Königsberg in the direction of the ancient city of Friedland (now Pravdinsk) was built by the last in 1862. It is assumed that the author of the architectural structure of the neo-Gothic style was Friedrich Stühler. From the side of the city, six parts (five buttresses) are marked on the facade. One can see pointed decorative towers with battlements, two driveways, a rhombic "Thread" ornament in the form of a grid of bricks of different colors, pointed arches, and perspective portals. At the beginning of the 20th century, the lost sculptures of the facade were restored: Feuchtwangen (the founder of the castle in the city of Malbork), Zollern.
On the outside of the gate there is a guardhouse. Like all other gates, they were of great military importance, which gradually disappeared after the war and the redevelopment of Kaliningrad (expansion of streets, moving them to another place). On the preserved cobblestones, you can go to an interesting museum, which is now located at the Friedland Gate. The entire history of the pre-war city is displayed in the permanent exhibitions of the museum:
- "Fortress city, garden city"
- "Koenigsberg of the first half of the XX century"
- "Civilization begins with a sewer"
- Echo of War
Using the artifacts in the exhibition hall, you can learn in detail about the traditions, life of the townspeople of the ancient city. The address of the gate, museum: st. Dzerzhinsky, 30. The museum is open daily from 10 to 18 hours.
Rossgarten gate
The main function of protecting the city in this place was performed by two towers: "Wrangel" and "Don". The beautiful gates were more decorative in nature and were used in solving practical problems: checking documents, collecting taxes. Trade and postal routes to Lithuania and Russia passed through the first wooden gates (they say that the famous Baron Munchausen stayed here).
The gate had a drawbridge, protective grilles. This was at a time when there were pastures for horses or "Rosgarten horse gardens" around. Later, the first city fortifications were named so. The new gate was built in 1855. The regal Gothic look of the building was designed by August Stühler. It was created with beautiful driveways, a sophisticated type of jagged cornice, pointed towers and arches, exquisite portraits of the generals of Prussia, made in the form of medallions on the sides of the arch.
The Rossgarten Gate received the status of a cultural heritage site in 1960. Now on their territory there is a restaurant, a summer cafe located on the bridge over the moat, and the beautiful landmark has become a symbol of the modern city.
Friedrichsburg gate
The gate opens the entrance to the famous Friedrichsburg Fortress, built on the Pergel River by order of Wilhelm Friedrich in 1657. In the 19th century, it was converted into a fort and protected by a powerful brick gate designed by the court architect Stühler. This type of fortification has ceased to be effective. The entire territory of the fortress was transferred to the department of the railway. Ramparts, ditches of the fortress covered, the walls were destroyed, laying new railway tracks.
Only the gates and the building of the barracks have survived from the old fortifications. Their architecture is similar to the city gates and is an arch with symmetrical turrets on the sides. The gate is decorated with decorative crenellated parapets, false Gothic windows. The restoration of the gate was carried out in 2011. The coat of arms on the façade, massive iron doors, and a paved courtyard have been restored.
Now it houses a branch of the Museum of the World Ocean with exhibitions "Ship Resurrection", "Ladin Dvor". Having visited it, you can learn the history of shipbuilding from photographs, living exhibits. View samples of ancient boats "Berestyanka", "Azov plow", "kayaks from Chukotka". The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily.
Bastion Grolman
In the historical center of the city, there is a unique monument erected for protection in 1851. It is named after the great reformer commander of the Prussian army, Grolman. A two-storey, red, horseshoe-shaped reduite with casemates, entrance gates, and a pentagonal defensive rampart was the most powerful bastion of the city's upper front. The third floor of the building appeared in the XX century. The building is considered a typical representative of the architecture of the 9th century fortresses.
Since 2007, the bastion has been included in the list of urban planning and architecture monuments. In the restored parts there are numerous firms and souvenir shops. Bastion is waiting for the arrival of a permanent investor and the creation of structures large, important, like itself. Tourists are happy to participate in the external inspection of the bastion.
Park Yunost
A popular place for recreation, holding fun events, celebrating New Year's holidays is a modern park created in the post-war period. The Yunost cinema burned down. In the 1920s, it was a natural landscape zone and an English-style park with a rose garden, viewpoints, beautiful bridges across the Golubaya River. It is located not far from the city center on the shores of the picturesque Upper Lake. There is an opportunity for quiet secluded walks, active recreation, amusement rides throughout the year. Gala concerts of children and youth groups are held on the territory of the park.
Events like Maslenitsa, Victory Day, Children's Day, City Day, sports events. The park houses the Center for Interpersonal Communication, which is engaged in the out-of-school development of children. Its three-story building resembles a manor house of Russian noblemen of the 19th century. Among the attractions of the park is a monument to the soldiers of the internationalists who gave their lives in local battles in different countries.
Attraction "Chain Carousel", "Ice Arena", boat station, go-kart playground, "Park Cafe" with a special menu for children. There is a hall for celebrations, where a theatrical wedding performance is often held, an alley of lovers. The park is located in the Leningradsky district at the intersection of Telman and Azovskaya streets.
Church of the memory of Queen Louise
The Lutheran Church was built in 1901 in memory of the Prussian Queen Louise. The architectural style of the church is a symbiosis of several types: Neo-Renaissance, Art Nouveau, Romanesque style. The romantic spirit of the past centuries is felt in many elements of the building. The size of the three-nave church: length 47 m, width 22 m. Height of the middle nave 16.5 m. The church has two different towers. One of them has a clock. The building, destroyed during the war, has been completely restored.
The old interior decoration of the church has not survived. Since 1976, the building began to play the role of the Kaliningrad Regional Puppet Theater. For the convenience of his work, the vaults were partially removed, the room was divided into two floors. On the first there is an exhibition pavilion, on the second there is a theater hall. Kirkha is located in the Central Park of the city, it is included in the list of protected objects of cultural heritage of the city.
The Evangelical Church (Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos) was erected in the period from 1914 to 1926 according to the project of August Pflaum. This is a typical religious building of the city of the neo-gothic architectural style. Red brick walls, lancet windows, a four-story clock tower with beautiful friezes. A triple portal made of white sandstone gives the church an elegant look. It symbolizes the unity of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
The materials for the construction were stones from the ancient defensive structures of the city.The building got its name Kirch Rosenau from the area, which was included in the city limits only in 1908. Historical events have turned the church into an ordinary factory warehouse in the working district of the city. Later it began to belong to the Orthodox parish and was called the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos. Restoration work in the Temple has been carried out since 1996.
Now you can see the richest interior decoration in it. Ash-tree iconostasis, numerous icons. The clock on the tower sounded again. A Sunday school began to work in the church, regular services were held from 9 to 17 hours. The temple is open daily. The patronal feast takes place on October 14th.
Church of St. Adalbert
According to a gratuitous project of the famous architect Friedrich Heitmann, a Catholic chapel was built in the wealthy district of Königsberg, dedicated to St. Adalbert, the patron saint of these lands. In 1904, the neo-Gothic chapel was consecrated. It looked like a small building with a short, high nave, framed on three sides by lancet windows.
On the north side was a tower decorated with numerous Gothic elements and an entrance portal at its base. Inside the church there was an altarpiece of Adalbert, executed on a golden, shiny background. His image was in a church stained glass window. The building of the church was redesigned for the needs of the administration, adding two floors, changing the shape of the tower's roof. Now it houses the IZMI RAS observatory.
