What to see in Kaliningrad? Museums, monuments, history, photo

If we say that Kaliningrad is the administrative center of the Russian enclave and the capital of the westernmost region of our state is like saying nothing. The city is called a window to Europe, but that's not all. The authoritative magazine "Kommersant", compiling the annual ratings of the best cities in Russia, awarded Kaliningrad the first place for the last three years. According to Forbes, the best conditions in the country for doing business are created here. RBC also called Kaliningrad the most beautiful city in Russia. What is it that attracts tourists? I will not be mistaken if I say that the special charm of the city is attached to a mixture of cultures - Western European and Slavic. This article is a brief overview of what to see in Kaliningrad and the region in a few days.

How to get there

Many people who want to see the Amber Region are frightened by the fact that the area is an enclave. That is, she does not have a land border with Russia. From the north and east it borders Lithuania, and in the south - with Poland. Therefore, the question arises about the presence of a tourist's passport, and even with a visa. But this applies only to those cases when you travel by train, bus or own car. Naturally, you do not need a passport for air travel: you are moving within your country. And do not forget that from the west Kaliningrad, the photo of which you have probably seen on posters, is washed by the Baltic Sea. This gives an opportunity to get to the Amber Region on the water. You can make an exciting trip on the cruise liner "Georg Ots" from St. Petersburg, or swim on a simple passenger ferry. In the Kaliningrad region, many Russians are not going to see the sights, but to buy cars. Such shop-tours protested the path to the Embassy of Lithuania. Take a transit visa for travel to the Russian enclave will not be a problem.

At the crossroads

This city had many names: Tuvangste, Koenigsberg, Krulewiec, Kunnengsgarbs, Knigsberg, Karaliutius and, finally, Kaliningrad. The history of the city goes back to the Middle Ages. Once upon a time in this lowland, along the banks of the Pregoli River, stood three Prussian settlements. The inhabitants mainly engaged in fishing and salting fish. In 1255, the knights of the Teutonic Order built a powerful fortress near the village of Tuvangste. The citadel was named Koenigsberg in honor of the King of Bohemia, Ottokar Přemysl II. Later this name spread to all the fused fishing villages. German-speaking people are surprised: after all, Königsberg translates literally as a "royal mountain", and the name of the low coast of Pregoli is not turned. But we must remember that the name of the fortress was given by the Prussians of Gothic origin. The etymology of the toponym is associated with the name "royal shore". Since the city with the Teutonic knights came to economic prosperity, it was known not only by its closest neighbors. They translated the name Koenigsberg into their own languages. On the old Russian maps of the times of Peter the Great, he is listed as the Queen. During the Second World War, Koenigsberg was almost completely destroyed by Soviet troops. Liberators, to better gain a foothold on this shore, and the name of the city came up with another. Since July 4, 1946, Koenigsberg has been renamed to Kaliningrad. This was done to honor the memory of the Soviet politician. Namely, Mikhail Kalinin. Since then, the city lives under a new name.

What to see in Kaliningrad in a few hours

Ancient Koenigsberg can be viewed endlessly. Local residents say that they themselves have not yet studied all the sights of the city. But if you come for a day, and you have only a couple of hours at your disposal - it does not matter. A sightseeing tour of the city will allow you to see the main sights and learn interesting facts from the history of the fortress of Koenigsberg and the Amber Coast. And then you can walk on the places you like, take spectacular shots, slowly stroll through Altstadt - the old city. In it you will find a lot of pubs and cozy cafes, shops and souvenir shops. To be imbued with the soothing spirit of Europe, do not deny yourself the pleasure of a cup of coffee with delicious local pastries in an old confectionery. And you should certainly dine with Koenigsberg bugs - unless, of course, you are not a vegetarian. Then you should go to the island of Kant on the bridge of lovers, completely covered with locks. And to take with you as a souvenir you need a box of marzipan. These sweet almond products are peculiar sights of the city of Kaliningrad.

Museum night, or When to come

There are many museums in this city, and some of them, such as the Museum of Amber, the World Ocean or the B-413 submarine, are truly unique. In 2006, a project was launched for the Museum Night in Kaliningrad. Since then, every year on certain days off all the temples of the city's culture hospitably open their doors to visitors and work around the clock. The event is accompanied by street concerts, exhibitions, theatrical performances and performances of historical reenactors. In 2014, such a Museum night was held on May 16-17. So plan ahead. Since at that time there is an influx of tourists, you need to book a hotel or rent an apartment in advance. Well, except for the Kaliningrad night of museums, it is better to come to the city in late spring and summer. The weather pleases with fine days, it's getting dark late. In Kaliningrad, there are other, no less interesting events. For example, the International Jazz Festival. Summer is a great time to explore the sights of Kaliningrad and the region. Believe me, the northern nature of the Curonian Spit is charming, and from the abundance of fortresses in the district it is simply dazzling in the eyes.

History of the castle

What to see in Kaliningrad first? Of course, the fortress. This citadel simply can not be missed, although it left one place - the Central Square. This is the heart of the city. If it were not for her, maybe there would not be Kaliningrad, but there would still be three fishing villages. What did the monk knights need on this northern shore? The fact is that in the beginning of the XIII century pagans still lived here. The Pope proclaimed a crusade to these lands in order to convert the Prussians into the Catholic faith. Christianization of local aborigines was done by knights-monks of the Order of the Templars, and money for military needs was sponsored by King of Bohemia Ottokar II Przemysl. In honor of him, the fortress, which was built in 1255, was named Koenigsberg. At first it was wooden. But it was constantly rebuilt to preserve the ability to defend. After all, weapons are being improved. As a result of numerous reconstructions, a powerful citadel appeared. In addition, not far from the city, forts were built to block the possible enemy advance to Koenigsberg. There was a collection of paintings of European artists, a collection of porcelain and silver items, an archaeological museum operated. Here, the last time people could see the famous Amber Room, which mysteriously disappeared during the war. When the city was liberated, the castle was seriously damaged, and in 1969 the ruins were blown up and disassembled. Now there are conducted archaeological excavations, and for tourists is equipped with a special viewing platform.

Castle and city

To decide what to see in Kaliningrad and where to go further, it is necessary to realize what role the castle played for the city. Under the shadow of the Knights Templar, all three villages began to flourish. Gradually, they were granted city rights (in 1286, 1300 and 1327). By the end of the fourteenth century, Altstadt, Neustadt and Kneiphof merged, and Koenigsberg joined the Hanseatic League (analogous to the current Free Trade Zone). In the fifteenth century, the economic boom reached such a level that the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order moved here. In the 16th century, Albrecht Hohenzollern turns a theocratic state into a secular duchy. Until 1675 it is in vassal dependence on Poland. With its division in the XVIII century there is formed an independent Prussian kingdom. How this western gothic got to our state? Until 1945, Koenigsberg and its surroundings were part of Germany as the province of East Prussia. After the war, according to the decision of the Potsdam Conference, all this territory was transferred to the Soviet Union, and a year later the city was renamed Kaliningrad.

Cathedral

As you can see, the city and the castle were inextricably linked by cultural and economic ties. The symbol of the triumph of the Roman Catholic faith was the cathedral, which now adorns Kaliningrad. Photos of this majestic building you see here. The foundation of the cathedral was laid by Bishop Johannes Claret in 1333. The temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. Adalbert was built on the island of Knaiphof (now Kant) for about half a century. The architectural design of the building is dominated by northern Gothic, although at first it was conceived as part of defensive fortifications. This is evidenced by the powerful masonry of the eastern wall three meters thick. Previously, the cathedral was adjoined by the episcopal palace and orphanage. The complex was rebuilt at the master's level by Luther von Braunschweig and Winrich Von Knoprode, as well as during the time of the duchy, when the building acquired the features of the Northern Renaissance. When the University of Albertina was founded in Koenigsberg (1544), all professors began to have the right to be buried within the walls of the Cathedral. The famous philosopher Immanuel Kant was the last, whose dust was repaired in 1804 in a sarcophagus of black granite, surrounded by twelve columns. Also here is the tomb of the Duke Albrecht and his family members. The restoration of the church destroyed by the war began only in 1990 and continues to this day. Now in the building of the cathedral, Orthodox and Protestant services are conducted.

Fish Village

What to see interesting in Kaliningrad yet? Since you are on the island of Kant, take a stroll along the waterfront, admiring the building of the ancient university, and cross the pedestrian bridge across the river. You will enter the Fish Village, built in 2006 on the site of an old German village. Half-timbered houses and tiled roofs give this complex the look of "Little Europe". There are shops, fish taverns, the lookout tower "Mayak" and even the hotel "Skipper". The streets of the village are decorated with romantic lanterns, comfortable benches, interesting sculptures. No wedding in the city can not do without a photo session in this cozy corner. In the summer from the pier of the river station go out katerki for a walk along the Pregol. After leaving the Fish Village, we go to explore other monuments of architecture. Kaliningrad is a modern city, but it boasts that it has preserved the ancient gates. In fact, there are several such fortified entrances to the ancient Koenigsberg. But the most recognizable, original visiting card of the city are the Brandenburg Gate. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that they still continue to fulfill their function. The gates are decorated with sculptural portraits of famous reformers and military figures. They are called so because they previously stood on the path leading to the castle of the same name.

Museums

What else is there in the old Koenigsberg (now Kaliningrad) attractions? The amber museum is at everyone's ears. It is located on the bank of the Upper Lake, in the city center. Visiting its exposition, you can find out not only about the largest amber deposit in the world, but also to see a lot of beautiful things from the "sun stone". Folk craftsmen from time immemorial owned the art of processing this frozen resin of prehistoric trees, and this can be seen by looking into any jewelry store or even a souvenir shop. The Museum of the World Ocean in Kaliningrad is also unique. This is the only exposition in Russia, entirely devoted to marine painting. The museum was opened in 1990, and since then, its collection of marine fauna and flora has been relentlessly replenished.

The Kaliningrad Art Gallery gathered in its halls more than ten thousand works of sculpture, painting and decorative art. Koenigsberg Zoo is considered to be the oldest in Russia. It was opened in 1896 by the German philanthropist Herman Klaas. At that time the collection numbered 900 animals and birds of 260 species. For more than a century of the existence of the zoo, the exposition has steadily expanded. The Submarine Museum in Kaliningrad has information on the development of the navy in our country. Submarine B-413 in 1997 was officially withdrawn from the armament and re-equipped as a museum. Koenigsberg has always been called a city-fortress. Its powerful fortifications of different eras have now turned into museums. You can travel along the suburbs of Kaliningrad and see the forts that once blocked the way to the enemy in the city. They are seventeen, but to get an impression, it's enough to visit at least one. Königsberg became the scene of fierce fighting during World War II. About those events the expositions of the museums "Blindage", "Command post No. 43", History of ВВВ, "Fort № 5" narrate.

The Curonian Spit

If you have already decided the question of what to see interesting in Kaliningrad, it's time to go outside the city. In the area there are many medieval castles left to us by the warlike Teutons. One can not ignore the wonderful nature of the Curonian Spit with its unique dancing forest. In a moment, the trees begin to bend. So far, none of the scientists can explain the reason for this behavior of the forest. This sandy peninsula of the dunes is included even in the UNESCO List. On the territory of the spit there is a national nature park.