History of Koenigsberg and East Prussia. Königsberg as part of the Russian Empire
The Seven Years' War began in 1756 with several battles between the armies of Austria and France against the Prussian troops. The Russian army under the command of Field Marshal Apraksin set out on a campaign against Prussia in the spring of 1757 from Riga in two directions: through Memel and Kovno. She entered the territory of Prussia, advanced beyond Insterburg (Chernyakhovsk). Near the village of Gross-Egersdorf (now defunct, Chernyakhovsky district) on August 30, in a fierce battle, the Russian army defeated the Prussian troops under the command of Field Marshal Lewald. The way to Koenigsberg was open!
However, the troops unexpectedly turned back and left Prussia through Tilsit. Only the town of Memel remained in Russian hands. The reason for the retreat of the Russian army is still a topic of controversy. But it is believed that the real reasons were the lack of food and loss of people. That summer, the Russian troops had two opponents: the Prussian army and the weather.
In the second campaign against Prussia in the autumn of 1757, General-in-chief Willim Vilimovich Fermor (1702-1771) became the head of the army. The task was the same - at the first opportunity to occupy Prussia. At three o'clock in the morning on January 22, 1758, Russian infantry set out from Kaimen and by eleven o'clock occupied the suburbs of Koenigsberg, which actually ended up in the hands of the Russians. By four o'clock in the afternoon, Fermor at the head of the detachment drove into the city. The route of its movement was as follows: from the side of present-day Polessk, Frunze Street leads to the city center (the former Koenigstrasse, and during the period of the events described - Breitstrasse, in Russian documents of that time this street was translated literally as “Broad Street”). On it, Fermor with his retinue, following through a crowd of curious spectators, drove into the castle. There he was met by representatives of the Prussian authorities, led by Lesving, and presented with the "keys to the city" (rather, of course, a symbol that marks a historical event).
By the way, in Konigsberg, when Russian troops entered it, there were eighteen churches, of which 14 were Lutheran, 3 were Calvinist and one was Roman Catholic. There were no Orthodox, which was a problem for the Russian residents who appeared. Found a way out. The Russian clergy chose the building, later known as the Steindamm Church. It was one of the oldest Königsberg churches, founded in 1256. Since 1526, Polish and Lithuanian parishioners have used it. And on September 15, 1760, the consecration of the church was solemnly held.
It should be noted that the victors behaved peacefully in Prussia. They provided the inhabitants with freedom of belief and trade and gave them access to the Russian service. Double-headed eagles replaced the Prussian ones everywhere. An Orthodox monastery was built in Koenigsberg. They began to mint a coin with the image of Elizabeth and the signature: Elisabeth rex Prussiae. The Russians intended to settle in East Prussia firmly.
But in Russia there is a change of power. Empress Elizaveta Petrovna dies and Peter III ascends the Russian throne, as you know, an ardent supporter of Frederick II. In a treatise dated May 5, 1762, Peter III unconditionally gave Frederick II all the territories previously occupied by the Russians. On July 5, the Königsberg city newspaper was already published, crowned with the Prussian coat of arms. The transfer of power in the provinces began. On July 9, a coup took place in Russia and Catherine II ascended the royal throne, but nevertheless Russian rule in Prussia was ending. Already on August 5, 1762, the last Russian governor of Prussia Voeikov F.M. (1703-1778) received an order to finally proceed with the transfer of the province, from now on not to interfere in the internal affairs of Prussia, to allow the Prussian garrisons to occupy fortresses.
September 3, 1762 - the beginning of the withdrawal of Russian troops from Prussia. And on February 15, 1763, the Seven Years' War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Hubertusburg. Frederick II died of a cold on August 17, 1786 in Potsdam, leaving no direct heir.
I found on my computer an old file with a chronology of the history of Königsberg-Kaliningrad, which was about 10 years ago. Some tweaks, but there are still a lot of gaps. So I would be grateful for any clarifications and additions.
Then I'll add hyperlinks to make it clear what I'm talking about.
1255 - the foundation of the Königsberg castle
1256 - the Steindamm Kirk is founded, the Castle Pond appeared
1263-68 - the old Allstadt church was built
1270 - a dam was built on the Katzbach stream (Cat's stream) on the site of the future Wrangelstrasse (Chernyakhovsky) street. So in Koenigsberg, after the Castle Pond (1256), a second pond appeared - the Upper
1278-1292 - the northern stone wing of the fortress was built
1286 - Altstadt received city rights from the order
1288 - Juditten church was built, the oldest building in Kaliningrad
1297-1302 - construction of the first building of the Cathedral with a dedication to St. Adalbert in the Koenigsberg Altstadt (it was dismantled shortly after construction)
1300 - Lebenicht received city rights
1300 - built Kremerbrücke (Shop Bridge), the first bridge in Königsberg (according to other sources - in 1286)
1748-1753 - Haberberg Church built
1753 - a pedestrian bridge was built on the Castle Pond by royal order
1756 - a synagogue was erected in Vorstadt, rebuilt in 1815
1757 - the building of the Altstadt City Hall was rebuilt for the last time (in the Renaissance style)
1758-1762 - Koenigsberg as part of Russia
1764 - fire destroyed Löbenicht
1767-77 - the Catholic Church was built
1769 - new Löbenicht town hall built
1776 - The new Lebenicht church was consecrated
1782 - the city has 31,368 inhabitants
1784 - the new Tragheim church was consecrated
1798 - a new stock exchange building was built on the same site (Kneiphof), burned down 2 years later
1799 - opening of a beer house in the castle, later called "Blutgericht" (according to other sources - in 1737);
1800 - the population of the city is 55 thousand people.
1800-1801 - the stock exchange was overhauled after a fire
1803 - created by Altstädtischer Kirchplatz (since 1897 - Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz)
1804 - Kant died
1806-1808 - City theater built on Paradenplatz
1807 - a square appeared on the city map, later known as Gesekus. It was named so in 1882 in honor of the Commissioner of Justice Gezekus Johann Heinrich, who left the city 74 thousand thalers in his will
1807 - Konigsberg is taken by Napoleon
1808 - urban reform. All the most important city affairs were transferred to the hands of elected bodies. A city duma and a magistrate were created.
1810 - monument to Albrecht of Brandenburg
1810 - on the foundations of the demolished north-eastern wing, the building of the Supreme Land Court was built according to the project of engineer Simon.
1811 - "street reform" took place in Koenigsberg. Street names and house numbers were streamlined and officially recognized
1811 - Bessel Observatory established
1812 - Napoleon's troops left the city
1815 - a new synagogue was opened in Vorstadt
1826 - the old Altstadt church was demolished
1830 - the first water supply appeared in Königsberg
1833 - Cathedral restored for the first time
1838-1845 - a new Altstadt church was built
1840 - 70.6 thousand inhabitants
1843 - oldest known photograph of the city taken
1843 - King's Gate laid
1843-49 - the barracks "Kronprinz" was built
1844 - Academy of Arts founded
1847-1949 - the building of the Main Post Office was built
1851 - The Monument to King Friedrich Wilhelm III on the Paradeplatz was unveiled (August Kiss, Rudolf von Printz)
1851 - the Grolman bastion was built
1852-1855 - Rossgarten Gate built
1853 - built:
1) East Station building
2) Don tower
1855-59 - a brick building of the Real School (later Realgymnasium) was built on Munchenhofplatz
1855-1860 - Sackheim Gate built
1858-1859 - the New University was built (architect A. Stüler)
1864-1874 - the castle observation tower was rebuilt in the Gothic style.
1864 (?) - demolished gate with a tower at Grunebrücke
1864 - a new building of the University was opened on Paradnaya Square
1865 - a monument to Kant was opened near the new building of the University
1865 - the first train went along the Koenigsberg - Pillau line
1865 - The Albertinum and part of the Old College were demolished and the Kneiphof Gymnasium was built in their place
1866 - Ausfal Gate built in brick Gothic style on the site of the 1626 gate (preserved)
1872-1881 - the building of the Royal Government of East Prussia was built in Tragheim
1875 - the construction of a new neo-Renaissance trade exchange building was completed, which was moved from Knaphof to the other side of the Pregel
1879-1882 - the Honey Bridge was rebuilt, which was made a drawbridge
1880 - Steindamm Church was transferred to the German community due to a sharp decrease in the number of Polish-speaking parishioners
1881 - the first horse-drawn line was opened
1883 - High Bridge built
1885 - the monument to Kant was moved to the Paradeplatz
1886 - Kettelbrücke (gut bridge) rebuilt in stone and metal
1888 - 140,909 inhabitants
1888-89 - the building of the commandant's office of the Königsberg garrison was built (preserved)
1891, May 19 - a monument to Duke Albrecht, created by the sculptor Reusch, was opened at the Oat Tower of the Castle
1892 - the Walter-Simon-platz stadium (now the Baltika stadium) was built
1892 - the Friedrichs Collegium building was built
1893 - Kant's house was demolished
1894 - a monument was erected to Kaiser Wilhelm by the sculptor Professor Reusch
1894 - a house for swans was built on the Castle Pond
1894-1896 - the sports complex of the University - Palaestra Albertina was erected (architect F. Heitmann)
1894-1896 - a synagogue was built on Lomza
1895 - the first electric tram was launched in Königsberg
1895 - Realgymnasium building expanded (gym attached)
1896 - Königsberg Zoo opened
1897 - a 4-storey building of gymnasiums was added to the Kneiphof Gymnasium on the right, while the Bishop's Courtyard was demolished in 1542.
1900 - Kremerbrücke (Shop Bridge) rebuilt in stone and metal
1900 - The Gebr department store is built on the western side of the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz. Barrasch
1900 - 189483 inhabitants in Koenigsberg. The whole city was located within the defensive ring
1901 - Monument to Bismarck unveiled
1901 - The Royal University Library in Mitteltragheim was built
1901-1907 - the restoration of the Cathedral was carried out, the building was freed from plaster, the features of the 14th century were returned to the western (main) facade, which had already been noticeably changed by various restructurings by that time.
1902 - the building of the Main Post Office was expanded and the neo-Gothic telegraph building was built (on the north side of Gezekus Square)
1903-1904 - Holzbrücke (Wood bridge) rebuilt in stone
1905 - Imperial Bridge built
1905 - the systematic annexation of suburbs and nearby settlements to the city began. As a result, its area increased from 20 sq. km in 1900 to 192 sq. km in 1939. The population increased to 372,164 people.
1906 - a beautiful promenade, gardens and lighting in the form of openwork gas lamps were erected near the Castle Pond
1906 - Rosenau is included in Koenigsberg
1907 - Grünbrücke (Green Bridge) rebuilt in stone and metal
1907 - Holy Family Church built
1907-1910 - built by Kirch Luther
1908 - the sculpture "Archer" (Fritz Heinemann) was installed at the Castle Pond
1910 - 1) the Traghayim gates were demolished; 2) sculptor Stanislaus Cauer completed work on the monument to Friedrich Schiller
1910 or 1911 - the last medieval residential building was demolished in Altstadt on the street. Höckergasse
1911-1913 - Church built in memory of Duke Albrecht in Maraunenhof
1911-1914 - new Realgymnasium building in Löbenicht built
1912 - built:
1) Queen Louise Theater designed by architect Walter Kukkuk
2) Stadthalle (city concert hall) on the banks of the Lower Pond
3) the building of the Police Department (now the FSB)
1912 - the sculpture "Fighting bison" was installed at the Land Court and the fountain of the Way on Castle Square
1912 - Steindamm Gate demolished
1913-1919 - the building of the Academy of Arts was built
1915 (?) - the Gothic pediment of the southern facade of the Castle was converted into baroque
1916 - new building of the Academy of Arts
1918 - the building of the Directorate of Postal Service was built on the Ganzaring (now the headquarters of the Baltic Fleet)
1919 - Devau airport opened
1920 - the first German East Fair was opened in Königsberg, which was located on the territory of the zoo
1923 - the building of the Trade Yard (since 1927 it has housed the mayor's office) (architect Hans Gopp)
1924 - Königsberg Castle declared a museum
1924 - the Hall of Fame of the Prussia Museum was located in the Moscow Hall
1924 - New design of Kant's grave (architect Lars)
1924 - Friedrich Reusch's sculpture "German Michel" was installed near the Wrangel Tower (donated to the city in 1904)
1925 - the House of Technology was built (manufactured goods market)
1925 - an 8-storey trading house Kive was built on the Altstadt market. Then Max Wilfang and Company became the owners, which gave rise to the abbreviated form "Wilko".
1925, November 15 - the first Königsberg bus route was opened (closed already on December 7, 1927)
1926 - the stables/cavalry barracks located on the site of the old castle were demolished. Soon the Reichsbank building will be built on this site, and now the House of Soviets is there.
1926 - the square in the courtyard of the Castle was destroyed
1927 - the city magistrate was located in the building of the Trade Yard
1928 - the Financial Administration of the Province of East Prussia was built, now the building of the regional administration
1928 - the Parkhotel was built (architect Hans Gopp)
1928 - The Polish street was renamed Steinhaupt Strasse (Steinhaupt Strabe) - in honor of Georg Steinhaupt, who died of the plague in 1465
1928 - restoration work is carried out in the castle, a building for the Reichsbank in the new classical style was built on the site of the cuirassier barracks
1929 - opening of the Main railway station of Königsberg
1930 - construction of the building of the North Station was completed (architect M. Shtallman)
1930 - a vocational school for girls (House of Officers) was built
1930 - the construction of the building was completed, which housed the Königsberg State Archives (architect R. Liebental)
1930-33 - Kreuzkirche built
1933-34 - the building of the Königsberg Radio (branch of the Shirshov Institute)
1935 - the monument to Duke Albrecht was moved from the Oat Tower to the northwestern tower of the Castle
1938 - burned down the synagogue
1942 - the Amber Room, taken from the city of Pushkin, was assembled in the castle
1943-1945 - Königsberg trolleybus
April 7, 1946 - The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR adopted a decree on the formation of the Koenigsberg region as part of the RSFSR
August 1, 1946 - according to the order of the city administration for civil affairs, Steindamm Street received a new name - "Zhytomyr". By the same order, several small streets going in the direction of the main railway station - Kneiphefishe and Forntedtische Langasse, Kantstrasse, Posenerstrasse - were merged into a single street, called "ul. Mayakovsky (now Leninsky Prospekt)
1947, June - the population of Kaliningrad amounted to 211,000 people, including 37,000 Germans
1947 - the Pedagogical Institute was founded, the first university in the region
1948 - the deportation of the German population ended
August 3, 1950 - the executive committee of the Kaliningrad city council adopted decision No. 407 "On the protection of the bronze monument that stood on the University Square in the Leningrad region" (after which the monument disappeared without a trace)
1953 - approved the General Plan for the development of the city
1953 - a monument to Stalin was erected on the square. victories
1956 - Lars' book "Königsberg Castle" was published
1957 (?) - the Altstadt Church was demolished
1958, November - the monument to Stalin was moved from the square. Victory in the square on Teatralnaya Street, a monument to Lenin was erected instead
1960 - The cathedral received the status of a cultural monument of republican significance, but no measures were taken to preserve the building
1961, August 14 - The Lebenicht Catholic Church was excluded from the list of "monuments of architecture of national importance."
1962 - the monument to Stalin was dismantled
1963 - Leninsky Prospekt appeared on the map as a result of the merger of Zhitomirskaya and Mayakovsky streets
1963-64 - the remains of the central telegraph building were demolished
1967 - the Stock Exchange building was restored as the Seafarers' House of Culture, the Kaliningrad State Institute was created. university
September 1968 - the city authorities turned to the command of the Higher Engineering School with a request to "perform drilling and blasting to destroy the remains of the Castle and large blocks."
1970 - the final destruction of the Lebenicht Catholic Church
1970 - Duke Albrecht Memorial Church in Maraunenhof was blown up
November 5, 1972 - a trestle bridge across the island was opened. Kneiphof (Kant Island), while the Kremerbrücke (Shop Bridge) and Grunbrücke (Green Bridge) were demolished
1972 - the restoration of the former Stock Exchange is completed (as a sailors' recreation center)
1973 - former German town hall on Sq. Pobeda became the House of Soviets (city executive committee, now city hall)
1974 - the southern part of the basement of the Castle is covered with gray tuff facing, the hotel "Kaliningrad" is built
1974 - the sculpture "Mother Russia" was placed on the pedestal of the former monument to Stalin
1975 - Kaliningrad trolleybus launched
PRUSSIAN…
Long ago in the territory of today Kaliningrad region Prussian tribes lived. Historians are still arguing whether these Prussians were Slavs, or the ancestors of modern Lithuanians and Latvians, that is, the Balts. latest version most preferred and officially recognized.
The Prussians fished, wandered through dense forests in search of game, cultivated fields, mined amber, which they then sold to merchants from the Roman Empire. The Romans paid for sun pebbles with sonorous silver, as evidenced by numerous finds of Roman denarii and sesterces in the Kaliningrad region. The Prussians worshiped their pagan gods - and the main god Perkunas - in the sacred grove of Romov, located somewhere in the area of modern Bagrationovsk.
The Prussians, in general, were real savages and, apart from their amazing gods, did not revere anything and no one saint. And so they easily crossed the border and invaded neighboring Poland. To rob. It is today that we go to the Poles for food, and they come to us for gasoline. That is, we carry out a kind of exchange. A thousand years ago, trade relations were not established, local border cooperation did not exist, but the devastating raids of Prussian leaders on Polish villages were an ordinary phenomenon. But the Prussians themselves sometimes had a hard time. From time to time Vikings landed on the Prussian coast - severe blondes in horned helmets. They ruthlessly plundered Prussian settlements, mocked Prussian women, and some of these blue-eyed people even founded their own settlement on our land. One of these villages was dug up by archaeologists in the current Zelenograd region. It is called Kaup. True, later the Prussians gathered their forces, attacked Kaup and razed it to the ground.
…AND KNIGHTS
But back to Prussian-Polish relations. The Poles endured, endured the atrocities of the Prussians and at some point could not stand it. They wrote a letter to the Pope with a request to organize a crusade against the pagans. Dad liked the idea. By that time - and it was in the middle of the XIII century - the crusaders were well piled on the Holy Land, and the crusading movement was rapidly declining. And so the idea to conquer the Prussian savages was continued. Moreover, 300 years before that, the Prussians brutally dealt with the missionary Adalbert, who tried to convert them to the Christian faith with the world. Today, at the site of the alleged death of the saint, a wooden cross rises.
Peter the Great visited Koenigsberg in 1697. Most of all he was impressed by the fortifications. In particular, the Friedrichsburg fortress. "I'll build myself the same," thought Peter. And built.
As a result, at the beginning of the 13th century, knights of the Teutonic Order with black crosses on white cloaks appeared on the shores of the Baltic, who began to conquer Prussia with fire and sword. In 1239, the first castle was built on the territory of our region - Balga (its ruins on the shore of the bay can still be seen by an enchanted wanderer). And in 1255 Koenigsberg appeared. At that time, the Teutonic Knights offered to lead the campaign to the Bohemian king Ottokar II Přemysl. They say that it was in honor of the king that the city was named, or rather the castle, more precisely, the wooden fortress, which appeared on the high bank of the Pregel River, a stone's throw from the Prussian settlement of Twangste. It is generally accepted that Koenigsberg was founded in January 1255, at the end of the Ottokar campaign, although some historians doubt this: no construction could begin in January, when the Prussian hills and plains were buried in snow! Probably, it was like this: in the month of January, Ottokar, together with the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, Poppo von Ostern, went up the hill and said:
There will be a castle here.
And stuck a sword in the ground. And the actual construction work began in the spring.
A few years later, near the wooden castle, which was soon rebuilt in stone, civilian settlements appeared - Altstadt, Lebenicht and Kneiphof.
HOW THE MASTER BECAME A DUKE
At first, the Teutonic Order was friends with Poland, but then they quarreled. The Poles, like air, needed access to the sea, and all coastal lands, including the territory of the present Pomeranian Voivodeship, belonged to the knight brothers. The case could not end in peace, so in 1410 began Great War between the Order and Poland. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania also took the side of the latter, which had already greatly annoyed the crusaders. For example, in 1370, the troops of the two Lithuanian princes Keistut and Olgerd did not reach Koenigsberg for some miserable 30 kilometers - they were stopped by the knights in the battle of Rudau (the battlefield is located in the vicinity of the village of Murom). In general, the guys were formidable, these Lithuanians. Do not be surprised: now Lithuania is the size of a thimble, but then it was quite a powerful state. And even with imperial ambitions.
Immanuel Kant liked to walk around the historical center of Koenigsberg. It was from these walks that the Critique of Pure Reason was born. Yes, and everything else too.
But back to 1410. Then Poland and Lithuania teamed up and put the Teutonic Order on the shoulder blades in the epic battle of Grunwald. After this blow, where the good and best part of the crusading army, led by the Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen, perished, the Order did not recover. A few decades later, the Thirteen Years' War began, as a result of which the Teutonic Order lost most of its lands, including the capital, Marienburg Castle. And then the Grand Master moved to Koenigsberg, which accordingly became the capital. In addition, the Order fell into vassalage from Poland. In this position, the spiritual state existed for about 75 more years, until Grand Master Albrecht Hohenzollern, who had turned from a Catholic into a Protestant by that time, abolished the order and founded the Duchy of Prussia. At the same time, he himself became the first duke. However, this circumstance did not eliminate dependence on Poland. But I must say that Albrecht, if it was a burden, then only in matters of foreign policy. Therefore, Albrecht put a bold cross on foreign policy and came to grips with domestic politics. Under him, the Königsberg Albertina University was created, under him the growth of education, the development of art and all kinds of crafts was noted.
After Albrecht, John Sigismund ruled. After John Sigismund, Friedrich Wilhelm became the duke. Under him, Koenigsberg, as well as the whole of Prussia, finally got rid of Polish dependence. Moreover, under this duke, Prussia united with the German state of Brandenburg, and Koenigsberg lost its capital status. Berlin, which was gaining momentum, became the capital of the newly formed state. And in 1701, already under the next Hohenzollern - Frederick I - the state was transformed into the kingdom of Prussia. Shortly before this, by the way, a very remarkable event took place. Koenigsberg was visited by the young Russian Tsar Peter as part of a diplomatic mission known as the Great Embassy. He settled in one of the private houses of Kneiphof and was mainly engaged in the inspection of fortifications. I looked, studied and left further - to Holland.
KANT, NAPOLEON AND THE FIRST TRAM
In 1724, Altstadt, Lebenicht and Kneiphof merged into one city, and from that moment the history of the city of Koenigsberg begins in the full sense of the word (before that, only the castle was called Koenigsberg). This year has turned out to be rich in events. In 1724, the great philosopher Immanuel Kant was born - the most famous Koenigsberger in his entire centuries-old history. Kant taught at the local university, was indifferent to women (as they say) and liked to walk along the narrow streets of the central part of Koenigsberg, which, alas, do not exist today. And in 1764, the philosopher even became a subject of the Russian Empire. The thing is that during the Seven Years' War, a good half of Europe took up arms against the Prussian king Frederick the Great. Including Russia. Having defeated the Prussians in the battle of Gross-Egersdorf (in the current Chernyakhovsky region), Russian troops entered Koenigsberg a little later, in 1758. East Prussia passed to the Russian Empire and stayed under the shadow of the double-headed eagle until 1762, when the Russian Tsar Peter III made peace with Prussia and returned Koenigsberg to the Prussians.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Prussia and Koenigsberg fell on hard times. And all thanks to Bonaparte! The earth has become the scene of fierce battles. At the beginning of February 1807, near Preussisch-Eylau (today's Bagrationovsk), Napoleon's armies and Russian detachments under the command of Bennigsen, reinforced by a 10,000-strong Prussian corps, converged. The battle was extremely fierce and bloody, lasted for many hours and did not bring victory to either side. Six months later, Napoleon clashed with the Russian armies near Friedland (modern Pravdinsky), and this time the French won. After that, the Treaty of Tilsit, beneficial to Napoleon, was concluded.
However, there were positive developments in the century before last. For example, in 1807 the Prussian king abolished the personal dependence of the peasants on the landlords, as well as the privileges of the nobles to own land. From now on, all citizens received the right to sell and buy land. In 1808, a city reform was carried out - all the most important city affairs were transferred to the hands of elected bodies. The municipal services of the city were also strong, the infrastructure, as they say now, was developing. In 1830, the first water supply appeared in Koenigsberg, in 1881 the first horse-drawn line was opened, in 1865 the first train went along the Koenigsberg-Pillau line. In 1895 the first tram line was opened. In addition, to late XIX centuries, a defensive ring of fortifications was built around Konigsberg, consisting of 12 forts. This ring, by the way, has survived to this day in a more or less tolerable condition.
The history of the last century is well known. Koenigsberg survived two world wars, as a result of the second of them in 1946 it turned into Kaliningrad. And shortly before this happened, perhaps, the most tragic event in the history of the city - the English bombardment. In August 1944, the entire central part ancient city turned to dust and ashes.
Koenigsberg, now the well-known city of Kaliningrad, is an enclave washed by the cold and noisy Baltic Sea.
The history of the city is majestic and multifaceted, more than 700 years old - seven centuries of rapid growth, rapid seizures and frequent changes of heads of government.
The most western city of Russia is shrouded in ancient legends and surrounded by interesting historical sights.
Basic information
Story
It was founded on September 1, 1255. The beginning of the modern city was a castle erected on the site of the Prussian settlement Twangste in the lower reaches of the Pregel River. The Grand Master of the Teutonic Order Poppo von Ostern and King Premysl Otakar II of the Czech Republic are considered to be the founders.
Tvangste was besieged by the knights, but after the arrival of help from the King of Bohemia, the settlement fell. The first building was made of wood, and in 1257 the construction of brick walls began.
The castle was named Koenigsberg, he was sieged three times (in 1260, 1263 and 1273) by the Prussian tribes, but resisted. In subsequent years, German colonists began to arrive to develop the Prussian lands. Indigenous peoples were assimilated and XVI century only 20% of the total population remained.
On February 28, 1286, the settlement near the castle walls, bearing the same name, was given city rights. Other settlements grew rapidly around. In 1300, another city began to be called - Löbenicht, it was in it that the first printing house was opened in 1523, and in 1524 the first book was printed.
From an administrative point of view, both cities were independent, but in fact formed a single whole. The united cities were named Koenigsberg, and the first and oldest part of it was renamed Altstadt ("old town").
The third settlement to receive official status was Kneiphof, and it also formed part of Königsberg.
In 1466, as a result of the thirteen-year war, the capital of the Teutonic Order was moved from Marienburg to Konigsberg.
In 1525, the theocratic state became known as the Duchy of Prussia, and Grand Master Albrecht proclaimed himself a duke. Since the 16th century, the city has become cultural center, important figures lived in it and the first books in the Lithuanian language were published.
In 1660, the publication of his own newspaper began., copies of it were regularly sent to Russia to compile reviews intended for the Boyar Duma and Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.
Territorially unified, but consisting of administratively independent districts, the city existed until 1724, then the official unification of the three cities, their surrounding suburbs, towns and the castle took place. The name remained the same - Koenigsberg.
During the Seven Years' War, the city was captured by Russia and from 1758 to 1762 was part of it. In 1762 he was returned to Prussia under the terms of the Russian emperor concluded with her Peter III Petersburg peace treaty.
In the 19th century, Koenigsberg grew rapidly and modernized, countless ravelins, bastions and defensive ramparts were built (many of the buildings are still preserved).
In 1857, a railway appeared in Konigsberg, and in 1862 a railway connection with Russia was laid. In May 1881, a new type of transport appeared - horse-drawn carriage (horse-drawn - urban railway), and exactly 14 years later (in 1895) - the first trams. In 1901, the electrification of public transport began.
In 1919, the first airport in Germany and one of the first in the world, Devau, was built and put into operation. Regular flights Koenigsberg - Riga - Moscow were organized in 1922. In the XX century, the city expanded significantly, were built:
- stations;
- residential buildings;
- commercial buildings.
The greatest contribution to the architecture of the city was made by Hans Hopp and Friedrich Heitmann. A large place was given to monuments and sculptures, they were created by both graduates and teachers of the Königsberg Academy of Arts. At the same time, research and reconstruction were carried out in the old castle.
In August 1944, during the bombing by Britain, the city was badly damaged and the entire old center of Koenigsberg was destroyed.
In the same year, it was stormed by Soviet soldiers.
Assault and capture in 1945
The siege of the city began in December 1944, and assault troops were sent on April 5, 1945. On April 10, a flag was raised over the tower of Der Dona (modern amber museum), marking the end of German rule. During fierce battles, both sides suffered losses of 50 thousand people..
We offer you to watch a video about the assault on Koenigsberg.
Who was given a medal for taking?
On June 9, 1945, the Presidium of the USSR Armed Forces ordered the establishment of a medal for the capture of the city-fortress of Koenigsberg.
This the medal was awarded to servicemen of the army, navy and troops of the NKVD who took personal part in the battle for the city, as well as organizers and leaders of hostilities in the period from January 23 to April 10, 1945.
This medal is the only one established in the USSR for the capture of a fortress, all the rest were for the liberation and capture of capitals.
Legend of underground Kaliningrad
The essence of the legend is that under the city there is an underground city - an understudy built during the German rule. It has power plants, numerous warehouses of food and household goods, there are tank and aircraft manufacturing plants.
Also, the underground city is a repository for many valuables, including the Amber Room. There are two versions of the end of the legend:
- During the assault on the city Soviet soldiers, the Germans collapsed and partially flooded several passages.
- After the war, an expedition was sent to the dungeon, but it could not fully explore all the passages. It was decided to wall up the unexplored tunnels.
Some residents claim that all systems in the lower city are working properly and sometimes someone turns them on to check, then a rumble is heard from the basements and a glow appears.
According to some versions, people still live underground.
The legend originated in the 1950s, provoked its appearance by numerous artistic and documentary works of those times.
Where is it on the map?
The city is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. From the south it borders with Poland, and from the east and north - with Lithuania. It has no land borders with Russia.
What does this name mean in German?
- The center of the city was the castle, at the foundation it was called the "King's Mountain" (translated from the German Königsberg), in honor of the King of the Czech Republic Premysl Otakar II, who is one of the founders.
- According to another version, the word "Kenigsberg" is of Gothic origin: kuniggs is the head of the clan, and berg is the coast.
Which country does it belong to?
In 1945, the Potsdam Conference was held, by its decision, the German province, together with its capital, was annexed to the Soviet Union. After the death of the Chairman of the Supreme Council M. I. Kalinin July 4, 1946 the city received a new name - Kaliningrad, and its region became Kaliningrad.
Coat of arms
The modern emblem was approved on July 17, 1996 and finalized on April 28, 1999. The authors of the project are Ernest Grigo and Sergey Kolevatov. The old coat of arms of Koenigsberg was taken as a basis.
On a blue background is a silver ship with one sail and a silver two-pointed pennant with the St. Andrew's Cross. The mast goes down with three green sheets. Under the ship there are 12 golden bezants laid in the form of a wave.
In the center of the mast there is a shield crossed with silver and scarlet, in the upper part there is a crown, in the lower part there is an equal-ended Greek cross (both figures of variable colors). Around the shield is the ribbon of the medal for the capture of Koenigsberg.
the Royal Castle
Story
Founded in 1255 on former Prussian territory. Initially, the building was defensive in nature and was built of wood, later it was reinforced with stone walls. In the early period, the Gothic style prevailed in the appearance of the castle, but over time, the purpose of the building itself changed and its architectural appearance changed.
With the coming to power of Duke Albrecht in 1525 the castle turned into a secular palace. Coronations and receptions were held in its halls. In the 18th century, in the basement of the northern wing, there was a wine restaurant "Blutgericht", translated as "Bloody Court". Previously, there was a prison in the restaurant, and a court over it.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the castle served as a museum; rare collections were located within its walls:
- books;
- paintings;
- weapons.
The castle was captured by the Germans during World War II, meetings were held in it and valuables from plundered countries were stored. One of these booty was the famous Amber Room, transported by the Germans from Pushkin. Its current location is not known.
The castle was badly damaged during the war, but the final "collapse" occurred in 1968 - by order Soviet authorities the building was blown up, and the stones left from it were used for new buildings. Several attempts were made to start rebuilding the castle. Excavations on its territory are periodically renewed, the last ones are dated 2016.
Where can you find ruins?
The ruins of the castle are located at: st. Shevchenko 2, public transport stop "Hotel Kaliningrad". Landmark - House of Soviets, built on the territory of the former castle. The visit is paid and is possible on any day from 10 to 18.
What other sights are there?
- fish village. An ethnographic, craft and trade complex on the banks of the Pregel River, stylized as old Prussia. Was built in 2006.
- Kant Island(Kneiphof). It is located in the middle of the Pregel River, in the XIV century there was a whole city with its own coat of arms. In 1944, there were 28 streets, 304 houses on the island, public transport ran, during the bombing in August of that year the city was completely destroyed. Now the only building Cathedral surrounded by alleys and sculptures.
- World Ocean Museum. It was opened in 1990 with the aim of preserving and promoting the maritime heritage of Russia. The museum presents the history of shipbuilding and exhibitions dedicated to marine flora and fauna, as well as the study of the seabed.
- Holy Cross Cathedral. Located on October Island. Until 1945, there was a Lutheran-Evangelical shrine here, bearing the name of the Church of the Cross. Currently, it is an Orthodox church. The central element in the external decoration is a mosaic Protestant cross on the facade, framed by an ornament with lilies and wind roses. Inside the church is already decorated in accordance with Orthodox traditions.
forts
Starting from the 19th century, instead of a continuous wall around the city, a network of forts was built (earth fortifications with stone buildings that could accommodate 300 soldiers and a supply of ammunition). The territory between them was shot through by artillery, and at a later time by machine guns.
The defensive ring around Koenigsberg consisted of 12 large and 5 small forts and was called the "night feather bed".
This defense system was tested in April 1945, having come under fire from the Soviet Army.
Most of the forts were destroyed, and the few that remained until recently were abandoned. Monuments of fortification art are gradually being restored. Two forts are available in tour mode:
- No. 5 King Frederick William III;
- No. 11 Dönhoff.
Below is a video about the forts of Kenegsberg.
A photo
In the photo below you can see the main historical sights of the city:
When and how did the deportation of the Germans take place?
In 1946, Stalin signed a decree on voluntary resettlement in Kaliningrad 12 thousand Russian families out of 27 various areas. From 1945 to 1948, several dozen Germans coexisted with Russians in the city, German schools, churches and public organizations worked.
But this neighborhood cannot be called peaceful - the Germans were regularly subjected to violence and looting by the Soviet population. The government tried in every possible way to destroy the hostility between the peoples:
- published a newspaper;
- teaching was conducted in German;
- working Germans were issued food cards.
Due to the impossibility of peaceful coexistence and the increase in cases of violence, in 1947 a decision was made to forcibly deport the German population.
Between 1947 and 1948, about 100,000 German citizens and Prussian Lithuanians were resettled.
The deportation took place peacefully and in an orderly manner, the former residents of East Prussia were allowed to carry any amount of cargo with them, dry rations were also issued and conscientious assistance was provided during the movement.
Receipts were taken from all those departing stating that there were no claims against Soviet government . Some of the German specialists were left to restore agriculture and production, but they also did not receive citizenship and eventually left the country.
The history of Koenigsberg as a Russian city of Kaliningrad is just beginning. Its cultural image has undergone significant changes over the past 15 years:
- new museums appeared;
- the forts were restored;
- built the first Orthodox church.
For a long time, the architectural heritage of the Prussian lands fell into decay, but modern society undertook to restore them.
I advise those who are here for the first time to take excursions. You will be shown the most interesting places, learn the history and legends, and all this information will not have to be searched long and tediously on the Internet. Just choose an excursion to your taste and be sure to look at the reviews and rating of the guide! This is the most convenient way to get to know the city.