The most western city of Russia, Kaliningrad, attracts travelers with its special atmosphere. Former Königsberg until 1945 was the capital of East Prussia. As a result of the selfless labor of Soviet citizens, the city literally rose from the ashes. Despite the numerous destructions after the Second World War, a considerable number of architectural monuments have been preserved here. It will always be interesting for tourists to decide what to see in Kaliningrad in 1 day. The unique cathedrals, fortifications, museum complexes with unique expositions, spacious green parks deserve attention. A variety of sights symbolize the richness of the cultural heritage of this historical and geographical area.

Brandenburg Gate

One of the many architectural monuments that testify to the German-Prussian past is the Brandenburg Gate. They acquired their present form in the middle of the 19th century. King Frederick II of Prussia ordered the construction of a new brick gate instead of a dilapidated wooden structure, which would serve as a reliable defense of the city from the south. The grand structure attracts tourists with its Gothic architecture. The gate consists of two canvases, the width of which provides passage for only one car. Traffic passes through them along Bagration Street.

The structure is decorated with two crenellated pediments, decorative turrets, coats of arms, medallions, bas-reliefs and light sandstone ornaments in the form of stone flowers. Arched windows and oak doors are visible in the massive brick walls. Inside the gate is an unusual marzipan museum. In the hall exhibited items made from sugar treats.

Church of the Holy Family

The Holy Family Church is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Kaliningrad. This is a former Catholic church, located in the middle of a residential area built in the Soviet period. At present, the concert hall of the regional philharmonic society is equipped in it. The majestic building was built of red brick at the beginning of the 20th century.

The building is famous for its tower, aspiring up to several tens of meters. The façade of the historical building, crowned with a shed roof, is decorated with decorative details with bright splashes of white elements, high lancet windows and vertical rods. The rigor of cubic forms is given by numerous stepped pediments.

The interior decoration of the church is dominated by octagonal columns. In the middle of an exquisite arcade, an organ rises under a vaulted ceiling. Lighting devices and plasma screens are installed around the perimeter of the room. It regularly hosts organ music concerts, jazz festivals, chamber concerts and romance evenings.

Friedland Gate

Tourists should pay attention to the Friedland Gate, which served in the middle of the 19th century as part of the city's defense system. The facade of the neo-Gothic building, divided by five buttresses, is decorated with sculptures, towers, carved patterns and rhombic ornaments. The massive brick walls end with rows of battlements. The through holes of the gate are made in the form of lancet arches.

For lovers of historical artifacts, a museum has been organized in the fortification. In the premises you can see various household items of the townspeople: dishes, clothes, toys, books, coins, stamps, pharmaceutical packaging and many other valuable exhibits. Of interest is the hall dedicated to the Medieval period. It exhibits armor, weapons, flags and coats of arms of knightly orders. Visitors are offered the opportunity to take a virtual walk through the old quarters of pre-war Koenigsberg.

fish village

Along the picturesque embankment of the Pregol River there is a small commercial, ethnographic and handicraft quarter – the Fish Village. Newly formed in 2006, the architectural ensemble imitates the historical buildings of Koenigsberg. Modern architects managed to recreate the special original atmosphere of the ancient city. There are hotels and restaurants, souvenir shops and various shops, galleries and museums, a river station and a lighthouse.

Hundreds of years ago, fishermen lived on a neat German street, who sold their catch to the townspeople right on the pier. Tourists will be interested in taking a walk along the well-groomed embankment, looking at beautiful half-timbered buildings and a large number of sculptural compositions. The facades of the buildings with wooden balconies are topped with red tiled roofs. The Fish Village includes the Jubilee drawbridge, in the lattice of the fence of which the newlyweds hang their “locks of love”. The embankment is equipped with descents to the berths for pleasure boats.

View Tower Lighthouse

In the heart of the Fish Village stands the View Tower Lighthouse. The height of the building reaches 30 meters. Travelers are advised to make an ascent to the observation deck of the tower, which offers an amazing panoramic view of the natural landscapes and sights of the city. To do this, it is necessary to overcome 133 steps of a spiral staircase.

On the way to the top of the lighthouse, guests will be greeted by a cozy restaurant and a souvenir shop. Of interest is the hall with ancient exhibits discovered during the construction of the Fish Village. The highlight of the exhibition is a collection of weapons of the 19th-20th centuries, household items and clothing of the townspeople of the 16th century. The observation open area of the lighthouse is fenced with a figured lattice.

From a bird's eye view, you can see the whole of Kaliningrad: multi-storey buildings, the river bay and architectural monuments. In addition to the beautiful panoramas of the city that open up, you should pay attention to the sculpture of a seagull, which holds an egg rubbed to a shine with its wings. The belief says that if you rub it and make a cherished wish, it will surely come true.

Cathedral

The hallmark of the capital of the amber region of Russia is the Cathedral, standing on the island of Kant, surrounded by sprawling green spaces of the park complex. The oldest architectural monument of the former Königsberg is of historical and artistic value. The first written mention of the cathedral dates back to the 14th century. During its rich history, the building has been repeatedly rebuilt and restored.

During the Second World War, the cathedral was seriously damaged by the bombing of British aircraft. The interiors of the temple burned to the ground. The iconic shrine has been reduced to rubble. Large-scale work to restore the structure was carried out from 1994 to 2005. Currently, the building is used as a multifunctional cultural center. Concerts of classical organ music are regularly held in the cathedral. The majestic three-nave basilica was built in the Gothic style of red brick. The main facade is divided by numerous lancet openings of various shapes.

Some windows are decorated with exquisite stone lace. The building is crowned with a clock tower and a high gable roof. The interior decoration is striking in its splendor. The main bright and spacious hall features a vaulted ceiling supported by massive white columns. Of interest are the picturesque stained-glass windows with illustrations of biblical scenes and large gilded chandeliers. A special place is occupied by the organ complex, decorated with sculptures with exquisite wood carvings.

Grave of Immanuel Kant

A small memorial adjoins the northeastern wall of the Cathedral. It is an open gallery with a stone colonnade surrounding a cenotaph (grave without burial). This is a symbolic massive sarcophagus made of dark granite. Deep underground lie the ashes of the outstanding thinker of the 18th century – Immanuel Kant.

The world famous philosopher was born in Königsberg. He made an undeniable contribution to the development of modern philosophical science. The works of the German thinker, devoted to the fundamental issues of being, had a huge impact on the minds of Europeans. The memorial building was built for the 200th anniversary of I. Kant on the site of a dilapidated chapel.

Holy Cross Cathedral

Holy Cross Cathedral is a functioning Orthodox church located on Oktyabrsky Island. The first stone of the historic church, which originally belonged to the Lutheran community, was laid in the 30s of the XX century. The iconic building survived the bombing of Königsberg during World War II. In 1989, the former church came under the patronage of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Exaltation of the Cross Cathedral attracts the attention of tourists with its characteristic appearance.

The three-nave building has the shape of an equal cross in plan. Two towers of the bell tower rise above the western facade, connected by a covered gallery. The external cladding of the monumental walls is made of decorative bricks of varying degrees of firing. The main architectural element of the temple is a huge portal niche, the surface of which is decorated with a panel with a large cross. The interior decoration is decorated in accordance with Orthodox canons. Of interest is the unique amber iconostasis.

Museum of the World Ocean

It is impossible to imagine a sightseeing program without a visit to the museum center dedicated to the exploration of the riches of the oceans. A whole complex of objects is located on the embankment of Peter the Great. This is the territory of the former port, where many exhibitions with various exhibits are housed in restored old warehouse buildings and new pavilions.

Vessels that have served their term in the Navy of the country are moored at the pier of the embankment. Everyone has the opportunity to inspect the sides and interior of the ships. Some exhibits of the museum fund are exhibited in the open air: water molecule installations, ship guns, boats, torpedoes, anchors and many other objects.

In the main building of the museum there are aquariums with marine life, amazing collections of corals, molluscs and shells, as well as models of ships and underwater bathyscaphes. Ancient maps, instruments and diving equipment allow you to plunge into the mysterious world of the ocean depths.

Submarine B-413

Guests of the large-scale complex of the Museum of the World Ocean are offered a unique opportunity to visit the diesel-electric submarine B-413, which is moored at the pier of the Pregol River embankment. The submarine was launched in 1968. As part of the Northern and Baltic Fleets, she made more than ten combat expeditions, took part in a number of naval exercises. The submarine belonged to the pre-atomic period of development of the Russian Navy.

Since 2000, the B-413 has been a museum exhibit and welcomes numerous visitors who want to feel like part of the crew of a combat submarine. Going down the ladder inside, tourists will see mechanisms, instruments, living quarters, torpedo compartments and rooms with equipment. It will be interesting to inspect the command cabin, crew cabins, first-aid post, galley and latrine.

Historical and cultural center “Ship Sunday”

Among visitors to the Museum of the World Ocean, the historical and cultural center “Ship Sunday” is especially popular. Exhibits that tell about the development of shipbuilding in Russia occupy the restored premises of the Friedrichsburg Gate. It is a monument of fortification architecture of the 19th century. The gate consists of one arched portal, on the sides of which are attached round towers and casemates. The massive walls end with a battlemented parapet.

In the exhibition halls you can see a collection of different models of ships: from kizhankas and dugout boats to frigates and ships of the line. Maps, orders, banners, flags and numerous elements of rigging are stored behind glass racks. Part of the exposition is devoted to the role of Peter I in the formation of the Russian fleet. In the recreated office of the great emperor, there is a cabinet filled with rare artifacts.

Victory Park

Victory Park in Kaliningrad is a calm picturesque place without entertainment facilities and attractions. The landscaped area with a pond and spreading trees was founded in 2000. Guests and locals come here to relax in silence, take a walk along the well-groomed winding paths and honor the memory of the Soviet soldiers-liberators.

A monumental ensemble dedicated to 1,200 Red Army guardsmen who died during the assault on Königsberg in April 1945 was installed in the park. The dominant feature of the memorial complex is a high obelisk, at the foot of which the Eternal Flame is lit. The Wall of Glory deserves special attention. It was erected from monolithic reinforced concrete and lined with red granite slabs.

The names of each fallen hero who took part in the East Prussian operation are carved on them. Near the central square of the park is the “Monument to the border guards of all generations.” It is a sculpture consisting of two obelisks in the form of boundary pillars. Bas-reliefs with inscriptions are installed on both sides of the monument.

Rossgarten Gate

The center is girded with gates, which tourists can get acquainted with during a sightseeing walk through the most western city of Russia. One of the historical objects of cultural heritage of federal significance is the Rossgarten Gate. They were part of the defensive fortification system of Königsberg. The Gothic building made of red brick has a rather uncharacteristic appearance for a fortification. An arcade gallery was used in the design of the facade, giving the gate a certain airiness and elegance.

The elevated central arch, four meters wide, is surrounded by octagonal towers with hinged loopholes. Three casemates were added on both sides of the main opening. From the side of the city they have windows, and from the outside – loopholes. The surface of the walls ends with a crown of battlements. Today, the restaurant “Solnechny Kamen” operates in the Rossgarten Gate.

Amber Museum

On the bank of the Upper Pond there is a massive fortification round tower 12 meters high. Its diameter is 34 meters. This fortification, which is of historical and architectural value, houses a unique museum complex. The pride of the Kaliningrad region, amber, is on display here. More than 90% of the world's reserves of this mineral are concentrated in the region. The collection consists of more than 14,000 exhibits, the exposition of which occupies three buildings of the tower.

The exhibition acquaints visitors with amazing samples of amber of different sizes and shades. In the halls there is a considerable amount of jewelry, products and objects made of “solar stone”. These are figurines, paintings, beads, bowls, masks, watches, boats, caskets and many other masterpieces, the variety of which is amazing. The most interesting part of the exposition is made up of stones with frozen particles of animals and plants. The museum has a selection of exhibits that tell about the history and development of amber processing.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

On the central Victory Square rises the main cathedral of Kaliningrad – the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Its consecration and final erection took place in 2006. This is the first shrine of the city, which was built according to the canons of Orthodox architecture. Before it, churches were opened in buildings that previously belonged to other religious denominations.

The symmetrical octagonal building rushes up to 69 meters. The outer snow-white walls are completed with kokoshniks. The cathedral is crowned with six helmet-shaped domes mounted on massive drums. 13 bells invite parishioners to the church service. A wide three-flight staircase leads to the entrance portal. Indelible impressions are made by the interiors of the cathedral. The walls and vaults are colorfully painted with biblical scenes. The internal columns are made of rare red-brown marble with white veins.

Zoo

Tourists are advised to devote some of their precious time to visiting the Kaliningrad Zoo. One of the oldest menageries in Russia occupies 16.5 hectares of picturesque territory. Here you can see more than 3,000 individuals. Excellent conditions have been created for the animals, as much as possible corresponding to their natural habitat.

This is facilitated by open enclosures and spacious pavilions with tropical forests, ponds, rocks, trees, sands and green meadows. On the territory of the zoo there is an aquarium and a terrarium. Walking along the cozy well-groomed alleys abounding in plantings, and watching animals makes it possible to spend time usefully and take a break from the bustle of the city.

Visitors will see a variety of fauna: tigers, giraffes, hippos, tapirs, bears, primates, ostriches, crocodiles, lizards, turtles, snakes, exotic birds and many other animals. The symbol of the zoo is the Ceylon elephant, born in 1970. The most valuable specimens of the menagerie include the mighty brown bear, the Amur tiger and the Bornean orangutan.

central park

The Central City Park is popular among guests and residents. Its total area is 47 hectares. It provides entertainment for all tastes and ages. The picturesque oasis invites its visitors to take a leisurely walk along the shady alleys, go in for sports, ride the rides and have a good time. Festivals and sports events are regularly held in the open summer area. A spacious amphitheater is equipped for concerts and creative evenings.

The territory abounds with green spaces, coniferous trees and outlandish plants. There are groomed paths throughout. A stream flows through the forest. A Ferris wheel, slides, carousels, trampolines, shooting galleries, a children's room, a pool with boats and other attractions guarantee a charge of positive emotions. At the disposal of visitors there are cozy cafes where you can have a tasty snack.

Guests will meet a considerable number of sculptural compositions and art objects. The monument to the actor, singer and poet V. Vysotsky deserves special attention. Several architectural monuments can be found in the park. This is a decorative pavilion-half-rotunda, the hunting house of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the church in memory of Queen Louise.

Park “Youth”

On the shore of the Upper Lake there is a wonderful green corner, where ideal conditions for an active and relaxing holiday are created. This is a comfortable and well-maintained park complex “Yunost”, where green walking areas are adjacent to all kinds of attractions. A picturesque natural picture is created by well-groomed alleys with flowering plants and spreading trees, spacious meadows and the water surface of the pond.
On an area of 7 hectares, you can find a Ferris wheel, a rope town, labyrinths, carousels, shooting galleries, a pool with water balls, go-karts, pavilions for riding mini-cars and many other entertainment attractions. An indoor ice skating rink is open during the winter season. In summer, vacationers can ride catamarans.

Business card – upside down house. Its visitors will have the opportunity to walk along the ceiling and see the interiors from a different angle. The central place in the park is occupied by a cultural and educational institution. The building, erected in the style of Russian classicism, outwardly resembles a noble estate of the 19th century.

Botanical Garden of Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University

A visit to the I. Kant Botanical Garden will leave a pleasant impression. This is one of the most beautiful places in the city where you can enjoy the beauty of wildlife and relax surrounded by exotic plants. The garden collection is located in open space and indoor greenhouses. More than 2,500 plant species of all climatic zones of the globe grow here. Tourists will have the opportunity to see rare shrubs, herbs and flowers.

Wide paths made of paving slabs are laid through alleys with coniferous and deciduous trees. It will be a pleasure to walk under an arch entwined with a vine. The garden has a wide variety of flowers. The marvelous beauty of tropical and heat-loving plants that are grown in greenhouses and greenhouses attracts attention.

Max Aschmann Park

At the beginning of the 20th century, the owner of the wine house, Max Aschmann, bequeathed to his native Königsberg his estate with an oak grove and ponds. The entrepreneur donated 100 thousand marks to the city treasury for the arrangement of a public green area. The M. Ashmann Park was opened in 1910. Its borders were steadily expanding and in 1938 the area of the territory was 70 hectares.

Majestic trees, lakes, swimming beaches, sports grounds, well-groomed paths, slides for sledding, horseback riding paths – everything around was conducive to a pleasant cultural holiday. Willows, oaks, maples, beeches, poplars, hornbeams and ash trees grew here. Sculptural compositions flaunted along the promenade.

After the Second World War, the park was significantly damaged and was actually abandoned. Pitted with craters from shells, it turned into a dump of household waste. Disruption of the functioning of the drainage system connecting the ponds of the park with the Upper Lake led to the flooding of many valuable tree species. The park area is currently undergoing landscaping work.