Kaliningrad Cathedral

The Cathedral is located in the historical district of Kaliningrad, on Immanuel Kant’s island, the old name of which is “Kneiphof”. It is the main symbol of the city, often decorating memorable souvenirs, and the center of attraction for travelers and citizens. Each of them is in a hurry to see the architectural masterpiece contrasting with the rather mediocre surroundings and to take a photo against the background of the atmospheric building in the Gothic style.

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The temple was built more than 6 centuries ago, when Königsberg still belonged to East Prussia. Since its foundation, the monument has been supplemented and rebuilt many times, and once almost disappeared from the face of the earth. And only Immanuel Kant – the greatest philosopher and thinker of the Enlightenment – buried at its walls became an accidental savior and the most important reason for the Cathedral’s existence today.

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Video: Kaliningrad Cathedral

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Highlights

‘ Kaliningrad. Such interest from the public is aroused by the monuments located in and near the Cathedral, guided tours, and cultural events:

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  • the building of the Prussian Albertina University, located next to the cathedral;
  • the tomb and museum of Immanuel Kant, who held the position of professor at the Albertina, as well as the Pastor’s House, where the famous philosopher lived from 1747 to 1751;
  • the sculpture park located around the cathedral;
  • an academic concert hall with a unique organ complex;
  • children’s entertainment and educational activities;
  • concerts of famous musicians from all over the world.
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‘ Cathedral in detail
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History of the Cathedral

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‘ Kaliningrad. The instruments are played by two organists who are full-time employees of the cathedral, as well as guest musicians from Europe and Russia.

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Concerts lasting 40 minutes are organized:

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  • in the daytime – daily;
  • in the evening hours – 1-2 times per week.
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‘ Concert Hall
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Kant Museum

The Kant Museum’s collection includes exhibits related to two main themes:

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  • the life and work of the German philosopher;
  • the history of Kaliningrad.
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The collection is housed in three halls of the Cathedral:

  • The first hall will show visitors a model of Königsberg from 1937;
  • The second will show the history of the church from before the war to the restoration work;
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  • The third room contains exhibits related to Immanuel Kant. These are clothes, portrait, posthumous mask of the German philosopher. Excursionists will also see the painting “Kant in the Circle of Friends” and the baptismal font in which the professor was baptized.

The hall of the Wallenrod Library deserves special attention. It will be discussed in more detail.

The Legacy of Martin Von Wallenrodt

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‘ Cathedral Parkhttps://trevaladvisor.com/img%img/Kafedralnii-sobor-Kaliningradareterte/IMG_0563.jpg” alt=””/>‘
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Cathedral tours

There are three regular daily tours of the cathedral, which include:

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  • guests can not only get to know the famous philosopher more closely, but also see the city before the bombing. A special highlight are authentic fragments of the clock from the temple tower;
  • visitors will be told about Duke Albrecht (the last Master of the Teutonic Order), the appearance of Peter the Great here, the island of Kneiphof. Excursionists will also be able to admire the picturesque views around;
  • tourists will get acquainted with the organ and will be able to appreciate a real organ concert. Guests will also see restored epitaphs and the former princely tomb.

In addition, author’s tours are organized in the Cathedral. Here are some of them:

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  • “The Sage from the City of K.” – is a special children’s excursion for those aged 9-12 years old. In the process of traveling young excursionists will get acquainted with the city, learn a lot of interesting things about the famous philosopher and even learn to read stained glass windows;
  • “Visiting the Organ Master” – a lecture-concert of the titular organist. The maestro will tell a lot of interesting things (for example, how the organ looks like inside, what should be the organist’s shoes) and offer to go up on stage;
  • “Through Time” – a tour in virtual reality goggles, where visitors will be able to “walk” on Kant’s Island.

Kant’s Tomb

Immanuel Kant was the last university professor to be buried on the grounds of the Cathedral. This took place in 1804. 76 years later, a neo-Gothic chapel was erected over his tomb. Further the appearance of this memorial place changed in accordance with the events taking place around it:

  • 1918. – The end of the First World War and the realization of the need to restore the chapel, which by then was in a terrible state;
  • 1924 – construction of the crypt in the form of an open columned hall;
  • 1996 – restoration works.

Inside the columned hall there is a stone coffin. However, not everyone knows that the philosopher’s remains are not in it. They are buried much deeper in the ground.

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Opposite the crypt, visitors will see a monument to A. of Brandenburg – the last Master of the Teutonic Order. He is also buried in the Cathedral.

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‘ Immanuel Kant’s grave
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Sculpture Park

‘ “Fish Village” guests will be taken by buses No. 40 and 21, as well as streetcar No. 5 and route cab No. 72. The approximate travel time from the stops to the cathedral is 7 minutes..