Rarely a city in Russia can boast such a rich history as Koenigsberg-Kaliningrad. 759 years is a serious date. Komsomolskaya Pravda offers a light version of centuries-old history.
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PRUSSIANS...
A long time ago, Prussian tribes lived on the territory of today's Kaliningrad region. Historians are still arguing whether these Prussians were Slavs, or the ancestors of modern Lithuanians and Latvians, that is, the Balts. The latest version is the 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 stones in ringing 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 worship anything or anyone sacred. And therefore they easily crossed the border and invaded neighboring Poland. To rob. Today 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 cross-border cooperation did not exist, but the devastating raids of Prussian leaders on Polish villages were an ordinary occurrence. But the Prussians themselves sometimes had a hard time. From time to time, Vikings - stern blonds in horned helmets - landed on the Prussian coast. They mercilessly plundered Prussian settlements, abused 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 let's return to Prussian-Polish relations. The Poles endured and endured the atrocities of the Prussians and at some point could not stand it. They wrote a letter to the Pope asking him to organize a crusade against the pagans. Dad liked this idea. By that time - and this was in the middle of the 13th century - the crusaders were heavily beaten in the Holy Land, and the crusader movement was rapidly declining. And so the idea of conquering the Prussian savages was continued. Moreover, 300 years earlier, the Prussians brutally dealt with the missionary Adalbert, who peacefully tried to convert them to the Christian faith. Today, at the site of the supposed death of the saint, a wooden cross stands.
Peter the Great visited Königsberg in 1697. What impressed him most were the fortifications. In particular, the Friedrichsburg fortress. “I’ll build the same one for myself,” thought Peter. And he built it.
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, and 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 Königsberg appeared. At that time, the Teutonic knights offered to lead the campaign to the Bohemian king Ottokar II Przemysl. They say that it was in honor of the king that the city was named, or rather the castle, or even 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 Königsberg was founded in January 1255, at the end of Ottokar’s campaign, although some historians doubt this: no construction could begin in January, when the Prussian hills and plains were buried in snow! It probably happened like this: in January, Ottokar, together with the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, Poppo von Ostern, climbed the hill and said:
The castle will be built here.
And he stuck his sword into 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 current Pomeranian Voivodeship, belonged to the brother knights. The matter could not end peacefully, so in 1410 the Great War began between the Order and Poland. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which had previously greatly annoyed the crusaders, also took the side of the latter. For example, in 1370, the troops of two Lithuanian princes Keistut and Olgerd did not reach Konigsberg some measly 30 kilometers - they were stopped by knights in the Battle of Rudau (the battlefield is located in the vicinity of the village of Muromskoye). In general, these Lithuanians were formidable guys. Don’t be surprised: Lithuania is now the size of a thimble, but back then it was quite a powerful state. And even with imperial ambitions.
Immanuel Kant loved to walk around the historical center of Konigsberg. It was in these walks that the Critique of Pure Reason was born. And everything else too.
But let's go back to 1410. Then Poland and Lithuania united and defeated the Teutonic Order in the epic Battle of Grunwald. After this blow, where the good and best part of the crusader army, led by Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen, was killed, the Order never recovered. 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 Konigsberg, which accordingly became the capital. In addition, the Order became a vassal of Poland. In this situation, the spiritual state existed for another 75 years, until Grand Master Albrecht Hohenzollern, who had by that time turned from a Catholic to a Protestant, 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 it must be said that if this was a burden for Albrecht, it was only in matters of foreign policy. Therefore, Albrecht gave up on foreign policy and became closely involved in domestic politics. Under him, the Königsberg Albertina University was created, and 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, Frederick William became duke. Under him, Koenigsberg, as well as all of Prussia, finally got rid of Polish dependence. Moreover, under this duke, Prussia united with the German state of Brandenburg, and Königsberg lost its capital status. The capital of the newly formed state was Berlin, which was gaining momentum. And in 1701, under the next Hohenzollern - Frederick I - the state was transformed into the Kingdom of Prussia. Not long before this, by the way, a very remarkable event occurred. The young Russian Tsar Peter visited Königsberg as part of a diplomatic mission known as the Grand Embassy. He settled in one of the private houses of Kneiphof and was mainly engaged in inspecting fortifications. I looked, studied and moved on - to Holland.
KANT, NAPOLEON AND THE FIRST TRAM
In 1724, Altstadt, Lebenicht and Kneiphof united into one city, and from that moment the history of the city of Königsberg in the full sense of the word begins (before that, only the castle was called Königsberg). This year has generally turned out to be eventful. In 1724, the great philosopher Immanuel Kant was born - the most famous Koenigsberger in its entire centuries-old history. Kant taught at a local university, was indifferent to women (as they say) and loved to walk along the narrow streets of the central part of Konigsberg, 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-Jägersdorf (in the current Chernyakhov region), Russian troops a little later, in 1758, entered Königsberg. East Prussia passed to the Russian Empire and remained under the shadow of the double-headed eagle until 1762, when Russian Tsar Peter III made peace with Prussia and returned Königsberg to the Prussians.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Prussia and Königsberg fell on hard times. And all thanks to Bonaparte! The earth became the scene of fierce battles. At the beginning of February 1807, Napoleon's armies and Russian troops under the command of Bennigsen, reinforced by a 10,000-strong Prussian corps, converged near Preussisch-Eylau (today's Bagrationovsk). The battle was extremely fierce and bloody, lasted many hours and did not bring victory to either side. Six months later, Napoleon clashed with the Russian armies near Friedland (modern Pravdinsk), and this time the French won. After this, the Peace of Tilsit, beneficial for Napoleon, was concluded.
However, there were also positive events in the century before last. For example, in 1807, the Prussian king abolished the personal dependence of the peasants on the landowners, 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 city's public utilities also grew stronger, and what they now call its infrastructure developed. In 1830, the first water supply system appeared in Königsberg, in 1881 the first horse-drawn line opened, and in 1865 the first train ran on the Königsberg-Pillau line. In 1895, the first tram line was opened. In addition, by the end of the 19th century, a defensive ring of fortifications consisting of 12 forts was built around Königsberg. This ring, by the way, has survived to this day in 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 which it became Kaliningrad in 1946. And shortly before this, perhaps the most tragic event in the history of the city took place - the British bombing. In August 1944, the entire central part of the 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, dating back more than 700 years - seven centuries of rapid growth, rapid seizures and frequent changes of heads of government.
The westernmost 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 the castle erected on the site of the Prussian fortification of Twangste in the lower reaches of the Pregel River. The founders are considered to be the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order Poppo von Osterna and the King of the Czech Republic Přemysl Otakar II.
Tvangste was besieged by knights, but after help arrived from the king of the Czech Republic, the settlement fell. The first structure was made of wood, and in 1257 the construction of brick walls began.
The castle was named Königsberg, he was besieged by Prussian tribes three times (in 1260, 1263 and 1273), but survived. In subsequent years, German colonists began to arrive to develop Prussian lands. The indigenous people were assimilated and by the 16th century only 20% of the total population remained.
On February 28, 1286, the settlement near the castle walls, bearing the same name, was awarded city rights. Other settlements were rapidly growing around. In 1300, another city began to be called Löbenicht, where the first printing house was opened in 1523, and the first book was printed in 1524.
From an administrative point of view, both cities were independent, but in fact they formed a single whole. The united cities were named Königsberg, and the first and oldest part of it was renamed Altstadt (“old city”).
The third settlement to receive official status was Kneiphof and it also formed part of Königsberg.
In 1466, as a result of the Thirteen Years' War, the capital of the Teutonic Order was moved from Marienburg to Königsberg.
In 1525, the theocratic state became known as the Duchy of Prussia, and Grand Master Albrecht proclaimed himself duke. Since the 16th century, the city became a cultural center, important figures lived there and the first books were published in the Lithuanian language.
In 1660, the publication of its own newspaper began, its copies 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, villages and the castle took place. The name remains the same - Koenigsberg.
As a result of the seven-year war, the city belonged to Russia from 1758 to 1762, until Empress Elizabeth gave it back as a sign of reconciliation. In the 19th century, Königsberg grew and modernized rapidly, with countless ravelins, bastions and defensive ramparts built (many of the buildings still exist).
In 1857, a railway appeared in Königsberg, and in 1862 a railway connection with Russia was built. In May 1881, a new type of transport appeared - horse-drawn (horse-drawn - city 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 Konigsberg - Riga - Moscow were organized in 1922. In the 20th century, the city expanded significantly; the following were built:
- train stations;
- residential buildings;
- commercial buildings.
The greatest contributions to the architecture of the city were made by Hans Hopp and Friedrich Heitmann. A large place was devoted to monuments and sculptures; they were created by both graduates and teachers of the Koenigsberg Academy of Arts. At the same time, research and reconstruction were carried out in the old castle.
In August 1944, during the British bombing, the city was heavily damaged and the entire old center of Königsberg was destroyed.
That 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 Der Dona Tower (the modern Amber Museum), marking the end of German rule. During the fierce battles, both sides suffered losses of 50 thousand people.
We invite you to watch a video about the assault on Koenigsberg.
Who was given a medal for taking it?
On June 9, 1945, the Presidium of the USSR Armed Forces ordered the establishment of a medal for the capture of the fortress city of Koenigsberg.
This The medal was awarded to military personnel of the army, navy and NKVD troops who took personal part in the battle for the city, as well as the organizers and leaders of military operations 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 others were for the liberation and capture of capitals.
The Legend of Underground Kaliningrad
The essence of the legend is that under the city there is an underground city - a backup, built during German rule. It has power plants, numerous warehouses for food and household goods, and tank and aircraft factories.
Also, the underground city is a repository for many valuables, including the Amber Room. There are two versions of the ending of the legend:
- During the assault on the city by Soviet soldiers, the Germans collapsed and partially flooded several passages.
- After the war, an expedition was sent to the dungeon, but it was not able to 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 back in the 1950s; its appearance was provoked by numerous artistic and documentary works of those times.
Where is it located on the map?
The city is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea. On the southern side it borders with Poland, and on the eastern and northern side – with Lithuania. It has no land borders with Russia.
What does this name mean in German?
- The center of the city was the castle, which at its foundation was called “Royal Mountain” (translated from German Königsberg), in honor of the Czech King Přemysl Otakar II, one of the founders.
- According to another version, the word “Königsberg” is of Gothic origin: kuniggs is the head of the clan, and berg is the shore.
Which country does it belong to?
In 1945, the Potsdam Conference was held, by its decision the German province, along with its capital, was annexed to the Soviet Union. After the death of the Chairman of the Supreme Council M.I. Kalinin On July 4, 1946, the city received a new name - Kaliningrad, and his region became Kaliningrad.
Coat of arms
The modern coat of arms was approved on July 17, 1996 and finalized on April 28, 1999. The authors of the project are Ernest Grigo and Sergei Kolevatov. The ancient coat of arms of Königsberg was taken as a basis.
On a blue background there 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 leaves. Under the ship are 12 gold bezants arranged in a wave shape.
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 a ribbon of the medal for the capture of Konigsberg.
the Royal Castle
Story
Founded in 1255 on former Prussian territory. Initially, the structure was defensive in nature and was built of wood; later it was reinforced with stone walls. In the early period, the appearance of the castle was dominated by the Gothic style, but over time the purpose of the building itself changed and its architectural appearance changed.
With the rise to power of Duke Albrecht in 1525 the castle became 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 “Blütgericht”, translated as “Bloody Judgment”. Previously, the restaurant premises were a prison, and there was a trial 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 the Second World War, it held meetings and stored valuables from plundered countries. One of these loots was the famous Amber Room, transported by the Germans from Pushkin. Its current location is unknown.
The castle was heavily damaged during the war, but the final “collapse” occurred in 1968 - by order of the Soviet authorities, the building was blown up, and the remaining stones were used for new buildings. Several attempts were made to begin the restoration of the castle. Excavations on its territory are periodically resumed, the last ones dating back to 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 a former castle. The visit is paid and possible any day from 10 to 18.
What other attractions are there?
- Fishing village. An ethnographic, craft and shopping complex on the banks of the Pregel River, stylized as old Prussia. It was built in 2006.
- Kant Island(Kneiphof). Located in the middle of the Pregel River, in the 14th century there was an entire city with its own coat of arms. In 1944, the island had 28 streets, 304 houses, public transport ran, and during the bombing in August of the same year, the city was completely destroyed. Now the only building is the Cathedral, surrounded by alleys and sculptures.
- Museum of the World Ocean. Opened in 1990 with the aim of preserving and popularizing Russia's maritime heritage. 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 Oktyabrsky 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. The inside of the church is decorated in accordance with Orthodox traditions.
Forts
Beginning in the 19th century, instead of a continuous wall, a network of forts (earthen fortifications with stone buildings that could accommodate 300 soldiers and a supply of ammunition) was built around the city. The territory between them was shelled 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, coming under fire from the Soviet Army.
Most of the forts were destroyed, and the few that remained were abandoned until recently. Monuments of fortification art are gradually being restored. Two forts are available in excursion mode:
- No. 5 King Frederick William III;
- No. 11 Dönhoff.
Below is a video about the forts of Koenegsberg.
Photo
In the photo below you can see the main historical attractions of the city:
When and how did the deportation of Germans take place?
In 1946, Stalin signed a decree on voluntary resettlement to Kaliningrad 12 thousand Russian families from 27 different regions. From 1945 to 1948, several dozen Germans coexisted with Russians in the city, German schools, churches and public organizations operated.
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 eliminate hostility between peoples:
- a newspaper was published;
- training was conducted in German;
- Working Germans were given food cards.
Due to the impossibility of peaceful coexistence and increasing incidents of violence, in 1947 a decision was made to forcibly deport the German population.
Between 1947 and 1948, about 100 thousand German citizens and Prussian Lithuanians were resettled.
The deportation took place peacefully and in an orderly manner; former residents of East Prussia were allowed to transport any amount of cargo with them, they were also given dry rations and conscientious assistance was provided during the movement.
Receipts were taken from all those leaving that they had no claims against the Soviet Government.. Some 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 the Russian city of Kaliningrad is just beginning. Its cultural image has undergone significant changes over the past 15 years:
- new museums appeared;
- forts were restored;
- The first Orthodox church was built.
For a long time, the architectural heritage of the Prussian lands fell into decay, but modern society set about restoring them.
Kaliningrad. The westernmost regional center of the Russian Federation, its “foreign territory”, surrounded by the countries of the European Union... But that’s not what this story is about.
Until July 1946, Kaliningrad was called Königsberg. The city became part of Russia by decision of the Potsdam Conference of the USSR, Great Britain and the USA, held in July 1945. Before that, Koenigsberg was part of Germany and was actually the “second capital” after Berlin.
In my opinion, the history of Königsberg began not in 1255 (the year the Königsberg fortress was founded), but a little earlier. In 1190, the Teutonic Order was founded in Palestine. The Order was officially approved by Pope Innocent III in 1198. 
Knights of the Teutonic Order
After the end of the Crusades, the Order received some lands in Germany and southern Europe. In central Europe, the land had long been divided and therefore the gaze of the knights of the Order turned to the east.
At that time, Prussian tribes lived on the territory of the Kaliningrad region and part of present-day Poland. This group of tribes was related to the Latvian, Lithuanian and Slavic peoples. The ancient Greeks traded with the Prussians - they bought amber in exchange for weapons. Also, mentions of the Prussians can be found in the works of Pliny the Elder, Tacitus and Claudius Ptolemy. In the 9th - 13th centuries, Christian missionaries visited the lands of the Prussians more than once.
The conquest of Prussia by the Teutonic Order took a long time. In 1255, the crusaders founded the Königsberg fortress on the site of the Prussian village of Tvangeste (according to other sources - Tuvangeste or Twangste). There is a legend that the knights witnessed a solar eclipse. They considered this a sign, and therefore the Königsberg (Royal Mountain) fortress was founded on the site. The honor of founding the city is attributed to the Bohemian king Ottokar II Przemysl. However, there is an opinion that the name is more of a tribute to the knights' respect for royalty. 
Ottokar II Przemysl (1233 - 1278)
Königsberg Castle. Pre-war years
Three cities were founded around the Königsberg fortress: Altstadt, Kneiphof and Löbenicht. The cities were part of the Hanseatic Trade League.
Interestingly, the city of Königsberg appeared only in 1724, when Altstadt, Kneiphof and Löbenicht united. Therefore, some historians consider 1724 to be the year of the founding of Königsberg. The first burgomaster of the united city was the burgomaster of Kneiphof, Doctor of Laws Zacharias Hesse.
The oldest building preserved in Kaliningrad is the Juditten Church. It was built in 1288. The building successfully survived the Second World War, but was destroyed by settlers from the USSR. Only in the 1980s was the church actually rebuilt and now the Orthodox St. Nicholas Cathedral is located there. 
Juditten-Kirch. Modern look
The main symbol of the city of Kaliningrad is the Cathedral. It was founded in 1325. The first version of the cathedral was realized in 1333 - 1345, and was subsequently rebuilt many times. Initially it was just a church, and the name Cathedral was given only in the 17th century, possibly due to the presence of local church authorities there. The cathedral was very badly damaged by the British air raid on Königsberg on August 29-30, 1944 and the battles in April 1945. The outer part was restored only in 1994 - 1998, and now there is a museum there.
Cathedral. Modern look
One of the attractions of the cathedral is the large organ.
Since 1457, Königsberg was the residence of the masters of the Teutonic Order. At this time, the Order waged a war with Poland, which ended in 1466 with the signing of the Second Peace of Torun. The order was defeated and until 1657 was a vassal of Poland. The Order was already greatly weakened and already in 1525 Albrecht Hohenzollern secularized the lands of the Order and founded the Duchy of Prussia. 
Duke Albrecht (1490 - 1568)
Before taking such a step, Albrecht consulted, among other things, with Martin Luther. It is interesting that Luther's son Johann (Hans) is buried in Altstadt, in the Church of St. Nicholas (which was demolished in the 19th century). The daughter of the great reformer Margarita married the Prussian landowner Georg von Künheim and settled on the Mulhausen estate (now the village of Gvardeyskoye, Bagrationovsky district). She died in 1570 and was buried in the local church.
The history of the Teutonic Order did not end with the secularization of its lands. The order was dissolved in 1809, restored in 1834 in Austria, existed until the Anschluss of Austria and the seizure of Czechoslovakia by Germany in 1938 - 1939. After the Second World War, the Order was restored and now the residence of the master is in Vienna.
In addition to the masters of the Order, one of the figures of German classical philosophy, Immanuel Kant, whose name is also associated with the city, is buried in the Cathedral. Nowadays the newly formed Baltic Federal University bears his name.
Immanuel Kant (1724 - 1804)
The name of Albrecht Hohenzollern is associated with the founding of the Albertina University of Königsberg. Albrecht began his reign as Duke of Prussia in 1525 by ordering the collection of all the necessary books for the university library. Among those who helped Albrecht found the university was the Belarusian pioneer printer Francis Skaryna. A monument to him can now be seen in front of one of the buildings of the Baltic Federal University. I. Kant.
Monument to Francis Skaryna (left)
Over the years, Johann Hamann, Johann Herder, Friedrich Bessel, Carl Jacobi, Ferdinand von Linderman, Adolf Hurwitz, David Hilbert, Hermann Helmholtz worked and gave lectures at Albertina; the founder of Lithuanian fiction, Kristionas Donelaitis, studied theology; listened to lectures on philosophy by the writer and composer Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann. It is also worth mentioning that Immanuel Kant worked here.
The Albertina tradition is continued by the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, which was founded in 2010 on the basis of the Russian State University named after. I. Kant by decree of the President of the Russian Federation.
After the Thirty Years' War, another war followed - the Northern War (1655 - 1660). In it, Sweden fought against Poland for the Baltic territories and dominance in the Baltic Sea. During this war, Prussia's dependence on Poland was ended. The Brandenburg-Prussian state was created, with Berlin as its capital. Elector Frederick III declared himself King Frederick the First of Prussia. During his reign, Peter I visited Königsberg several times, to whom Frederick presented the famous Amber Room and the pleasure yacht "Liburica". Frederick I himself, among other things, was very fond of tall soldiers and collected them throughout Europe. Therefore, Peter, as a return courtesy, presented the king with 55 selected grenadiers of the tallest stature. 
The Amber Room. Restored view
The Amber Room remained in Pushkin until 1942. Retreating, the Germans took the room to Königsberg, where it was mounted for display to a narrow circle of people. In 1945, it was hidden in the castle cellars. The further fate of the room is unknown. According to one version, it is still located under the ruins of the castle. According to others, she could have ended up on board the Wilhelm Gustloff or somewhere in Germany. For the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, the Amber Room was restored (including with the involvement of German capital) and is now available for visiting in the Catherine Palace.
Many people know Frederick II the Great. Interestingly, he settled the empty lands of Prussia, trying to increase the number of taxpayers. To increase employment, the king sharply opposed machine technology. In addition, the king believed that the roads should be in poor condition in order to impede the movements of the enemy army. The Prussian army was one of the best in Europe.
In 1758 - 1762 Koenigsberg was part of the Russian Empire. At that time, the city was governed by a governor. One of the governors was Vasily Ivanovich Suvorov - the father of the great commander Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov. After V.I. Suvorov, Pyotr Ivanovich Panin (1721 - 1789), who participated in the suppression of the Pugachev uprising, became governor. By the way, Emelyan Pugachev took part in the Seven Years' War and could well have visited Königsberg.
Vasily Ivanovich Suvorov (1705 - 1775)
We should also remember Queen Louise, the wife of King Frederick William III. Her life is continuously connected with the dramatic events of Prussia's struggle against Napoleon. She died in 1810, before the victory over Napoleon.
Queen Louise (1776 - 1810)
A city alley was named in her honor, and there was a Queen Louise shelter for poor women (the building has not survived). Also in 1901, the Queen Louise Church was built (nowadays a puppet theater is located there). In the village of Nidden (now Nida, Lithuania) on the Curonian Spit there was a boarding house for Queen Louise and a monument in her honor.
Church of Queen Louise. Modern look
According to the Peace of Tilsit, Prussia had to pay a huge indemnity. Of this amount, Königsberg owed 20 million francs (later the amount was reduced to 8 million). It is interesting that the city paid this amount to France until 1901.
During the Napoleonic wars, Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov visited Koenigsberg while passing through. The famous writer Stendhal visited Königsberg twice - first on his way to Moscow, captured by Napoleon. And then Stendhal had to flee Moscow. Moreover, he was in such a hurry that he overtook the retreating French army. Denis Vasilievich Davydov was also in Königsberg.
In the 19th and 20th centuries the city grew and developed. Until the mid-19th century, Königsberg bore the imprint of a typically medieval city - there were very few trees on the streets. It was only in 1875 that the Landscaping Union was created. In 1928, the green area of Königsberg was approximately 6,303,744 m2. Unfortunately, the city's green attire is now experiencing an increasingly persistent attack by industrial and residential buildings.
I have covered only a small fraction of what can be told about the history of Königsberg. The destinies of many people are connected with this city. To tell about everything, you need a book as thick as several volumes of War and Peace. However, what I told are very bright moments in the history of Koenigsberg that should not be forgotten, 
Kneiphof after a British air raid. 1944
The Second World War did not spare Koenigsberg. Many unique buildings have been lost forever. The city was not spared by the people who came to develop the new Soviet region. However, a piece of Königsberg is present in today's Kaliningrad, playing a direct role in the history of the new city.
It is worth adding that the Germans show a noticeable interest in the history of Königsberg - Kaliningrad. You can constantly see German tourists on the street. In addition, in Duisburg there is a German center for the study of everything related to the history of Königsberg.
Kneiphof model. The author is a native of Königsberg, Horst Dühring.
To conclude, I will voice the motto of the Year of Germany in Russia: “Germany and Russia - create the future together.” I think this very accurately applies to the history of Kaliningrad - Königsberg.
by Notes of the Wild MistressKaliningrad is a unique city in many ways, with an amazing history, shrouded in many mysteries and secrets. The architecture of the Teutonic Order is intertwined with modern buildings, and today, walking along the streets of Kaliningrad, it is difficult to even imagine what kind of view will open around the corner. This city has more than enough secrets and surprises - both in the past and in the present.
Königsberg before the war
Koenigsberg: historical facts
The first people lived on the site of modern Kaliningrad back in the first millennium BC. Remains of stone and bone tools were discovered at tribal sites. A few centuries later, settlements were formed where artisans who knew how to work with bronze lived. Archaeologists note that the finds most likely belong to Germanic tribes, but there are also Roman coins issued approximately in the 1st-2nd centuries AD. Until the 12th century AD These territories also suffered from Viking raids.
War-torn fort
But the settlement was finally captured only in 1255. The Teutonic Order not only colonized these lands, but also gave the city a new name - King's Mountain, Königsberg. The city first came under Russian rule in 1758, after the Seven Years' War, but less than 50 years later, Prussian troops recaptured it. During the time that Königsberg was under Prussian rule, it was radically transformed. A sea canal, an airport, many factories, a power plant were built, and a horse-drawn horse was put into operation. Much attention was paid to education and support of art - the Drama Theater and the Academy of Arts were opened, and the university on Parade Square began accepting applicants.
Kaliningrad today
Here in 1724 the famous philosopher Kant was born, who did not leave his beloved city until the end of his life.
Monument to Kant
World War II: battles for the city
In 1939, the city's population reached 372 thousand people. And Koenigsberg would have developed and grown if World War II had not begun. Hitler considered this city one of the key ones; he dreamed of turning it into an impregnable fortress. He was impressed by the fortifications around the city. German engineers improved them and equipped concrete pillboxes. The assault on the defensive ring turned out to be so difficult that for the capture of the city, 15 people received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Soviet soldiers storm Königsberg
There are many legends telling about the secret underground laboratories of the Nazis, in particular about Konigsberg 13, where psychotropic weapons were developed. There were rumors that the Fuhrer's scientists were actively studying the occult sciences, trying to exert an even greater influence on the consciousness of people, but there was no documentary evidence of this.
Such fortifications were erected along the perimeter of the city
During the liberation of the city, the Germans flooded the dungeons and blew up some of the passages, so it still remains a mystery - what is there, behind tens of meters of rubble, maybe scientific developments, or maybe untold riches...
Ruins of Brandenburg Castle
It is there, according to many scientists, that the legendary amber room, taken from Tsarskoye Selo in 1942, is located.
In August 1944, the central part of the city was bombed - British aviation implemented the “Retribution” plan. And in April 1945 the city fell under the onslaught of Soviet troops. A year later it was officially annexed to the RSFSR, and a little later, five months later, it was renamed Kaliningrad.
View of the surrounding area of Königsberg
In order to avoid possible protest sentiments, it was decided to populate the new city with a population loyal to the Soviet regime. In 1946, more than twelve thousand families were “voluntarily and forcibly” transported to the Kaliningrad region. The criteria for selecting migrants were specified in advance - the family must have at least two adults, able-bodied people, it was strictly forbidden to relocate “unreliable” people, those who had a criminal record or family ties with “enemies of the people.”
Gate of Königsberg
The indigenous population was almost completely deported to Germany, although they lived for at least a year, and some even two, in neighboring apartments with those who had recently been sworn enemies. Clashes happened often, cold contempt gave way to fights.
The war caused enormous damage to the city. Most agricultural land was flooded, and 80% of industrial enterprises were either destroyed or seriously damaged.
The terminal building was seriously damaged; all that remained of the grandiose structure were the hangars and the flight control tower. Considering that this is the first airport in Europe, enthusiasts dream of reviving its former glory. But, unfortunately, funding does not allow for a full-scale reconstruction.
Plan of Königsberg 1910
The same sad fate befell the Kant House Museum; a building of historical and architectural value is literally falling apart. It is interesting that in some places the German numbering of houses has been preserved - the counting is not by buildings, but by entrances.
Many ancient churches and buildings are abandoned. But there are also completely unexpected combinations - several families live in the Taplaken castle in the Kaliningrad region. It was built in the 14th century, since then it has been rebuilt several times, and is now recognized as an architectural monument, as stated on the sign on the stone wall. But if you look into the courtyard, you can find a children’s playground and modern double-glazed windows installed. Several generations have already lived here and have nowhere to move.
Kaliningrad is the most contrasting Russian city. The history of Kaliningrad-Konigsberg is full of interesting facts, outstanding names, significant world events and legends.
The westernmost region of Russia
The Kaliningrad region is the westernmost point of the Russian Federation, which is completely cut off from the country. It was formed in 1945 after the Potsdam Conference, by the decision of which the northern part of the liquidated East Prussia passed to the Soviet Union.
The first inhabitants of the territory were Prussians
One of the first inhabitants of this territory (early Middle Ages) were the Prussians, who got their name from the oldest name of the Curonian Lagoon - Rusna. Prussian culture was close to the Letto-Lithuanians and the ancient Slavs.
Founding date of Königsberg: September 1
The founding day of Königsberg is considered to be September 1, 1255 - the date when the Königsberg fortress was built on the site of the burned settlement of Twangste. The fortress was founded by the Master of the Teutonic Order Peppo Ostern von Wertgaint and the King of the Czech Republic Přemysl I Otakar.
City name: Royal Mountain
Until 1946, the city of Kaliningrad was called Königsberg, which translates from German as “royal mountain.” This name is associated with the Royal Castle on the hill, which the surrounding peoples called differently: the Lithuanians Karaliaučius, the Poles Krulevec, the Czechs Kralovec.
What is the oldest surviving building?
The oldest surviving building in Kaliningrad is the Judditen Church (1288). Located on the street. Tenistaya Alley 39 b.
How long did it take to build the Cathedral?
The most significant historical and architectural object of Kaliningrad is the Cathedral, which was founded on September 13, 1333 and took half a century to build.
Whose residence was Königsberg in the 15th century?
In 1457, the Königsberg fortress became the capital and residence of the leader of the Teutonic Order after the loss of Marienburg during the Thirteen Years' War.
Königsberg was formed by the merger of which cities and when?
The city of Königsberg was formed on July 13, 1724 by merging the cities of Altstadt, Löbenicht and Kneiphof by order of the Prussian king Frederick William I. Before that, it consisted of many small towns.
How many forts did Königsberg have in 1900?
Königsberg is called the museum of fortification due to the construction of a fortification system in 1900, consisting of 12 large and 5 small forts.
Who and when destroyed Koenigsberg?
In 1944, Königsberg was hit by a devastating bombing during Operation Retribution. British bombers shelled the city center - civilians were injured, the old city and many cultural sites were destroyed. The four-day assault forced the city commandant, General Otto von Lyasch, to capitulate, and in 1945, Königsberg was stormed by Soviet troops.
Ratings of the Kaliningrad region by area and population
The Kaliningrad region has the most modest area in Russia - 15.1 thousand square meters. km. But in terms of population density, the region is the third in the federation - 63 people/sq. km.
How many streets are there in Kaliningrad?
Kaliningrad is small in population - less than 500 thousand people. But at the same time, the city is rich in streets - more than 700 streets have Russian and old German names.
What fossils are remarkable in the Kaliningrad region?
The Kaliningrad region has been dubbed the “land of amber” - the world’s largest deposit of this stone is located here (the village of Yantarny). This is evidenced by pieces of amber that are constantly washed ashore.
Which Kaliningrad museum has the largest collection in the world of one type of exhibit?
The city has an Amber Museum, which has the world’s largest collection of “sunstone”, more than 1.5 thousand copies. Among them is the largest piece of this mineral in Russia (4.5 kg), as well as the world’s largest panel of amber “Rus” (70 kg, 2984 fragments, 276 by 156 cm).
What is the most famous lake in the Kaliningrad region?
In the Kaliningrad region there is the oldest lake of glacial origin - Vishtynets. It is believed that it is 10 thousand years older than the Baltic Sea.
Birds of Kaliningrad
Kaliningrad is a bird-loving region with many storks and swans, including rare black swans. The most ancient route of bird migration from the northern regions of Europe to the south passes through the Curonian Spit, which is called the “bird bridge”.
German architecture and infrastructure
The city and region have preserved many German parks, roads with paving stones, communications and houses with characteristic tiles. These German islands explain why the private sector is not located on the outskirts, but is dispersed throughout the city.
What was the name of the very first university on the territory of modern Russia?
The Albertina University of Königsberg, founded in 1542, is the first higher education institution on the territory of modern Russia.
The most famous philosopher of Königsberg?
Koenigsberg is the birthplace of the outstanding philosopher Immanuel Kant, who never left his beloved city.
Which of the most famous German cultural figures lived in Königsberg?
The romantic writer Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann was born and studied in Königsberg, who changed his name “Wilhelm” to “Amadeus” in honor of Mozart. Famous German scientific and cultural figures also worked here: composer Wagner, philosophers Johann Gottfried Herder and Johann Gottlieb Fichte, artist-sculptor Käthe Kollwitz and sculptor Hermann Brachert.
Prominent personalities of Russia in Konigsberg
Many prominent Russian personalities have left their mark on the history of the city. Peter I, Catherine II, commander M.I. visited here. Kutuzov, poets N.A. Nekrasov, V.V. Mayakovsky, V.A. Zhukovsky, writer A.I. Herzen, historian N.M. Karamzin and artist K.P. Bryullov.
Place of peace of Napoleon and Alexander I
On the territory of today's Sovetsk (Tilsit), one of the cities of the Kaliningrad region, the Peace of Tilsit was concluded between Napoleon and Alexander I.
Russian historical ally
Historically, Prussia has more often acted as an ally of Russia than as an enemy. After the Seven Years' War, Russia ruled the city for 4 years. It was on this territory that Napoleon was first defeated in the 1807 Battle of Preussisch-Eylau (Bagrationovsk).
Proximity to Europe
From Kaliningrad to the border with Poland 35 km, with Lithuania - 70 km, and to the Russian city of Pskov as much as 800 km. It is not surprising that there is no Russian accent in the local dialect, but there is a German, Polish or Lithuanian word.
Kaliningrad weather
The Kaliningrad climate is characterized by high humidity and frequent rain (approximately 185 days a year). At the same time, the climate is mild with an average annual temperature of 8 °C - higher only in the southernmost cities of Russia.
Kaliningrad time
Kaliningrad time is plus 1 hour to Moscow time, so Kaliningraders celebrate the New Year an hour later.
Green City
The city is surrounded by greenery due to numerous parks, there is a botanical garden and arboretum, and orchards. In spring, everything turns into a blooming paradise - trees bloom, a lot of snowdrops.
Diversity of cultures and traditions
Kaliningrad is a city in which residents of the entire territory of the former USSR live. From 1945 to the present day, special programs for immigrants have been running.
About cars
In Kaliningrad you rarely see a domestic car - the majority of city residents drive imported cars.
International passports
The special location of the city forces every Kaliningrader to apply for a foreign passport almost from birth. Otherwise, they will not be able to get to Russia by land, but only by plane.
Kaliningrad-Konigsberg is an amazing city that you want to unravel and study.
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