Kaliningrad Region in 3 Russian words
This is the westernmost region of Russia. There, historic German architecture blends with Soviet-style housing developments. Here are three of its main symbols.
1. КЕНИГСБЕРГСКИЙ СОБОР (Königsberg Cathedral)
This is Kaliningrad's main architectural landmark. Built in the 14th century, the Gothic cathedral has served as both the city's main Catholic and Lutheran churches. In 2007, Königsberg Cathedral competed for the title of one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Russia’, but only made it into the top 21.
2. МОСТ КОРОЛЕВЫ ЛУИЗЫ (Queen Louise Bridge)
The bridge across the Neman River was opened in 1907, when the region belonged to the German Empire. This 416-meter-long structure, adorned with late Renaissance-style towers, is named after Louise, wife of King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia. Today, the border between the Russian town of Sovetsk and the Lithuanian town of Panemune runs along this bridge.
3. ЯНТАРЬ (Amber)
The Kaliningrad Region is home to approximately 90 percent of the world's amber reserves. Up to 700 tons of the "sun stone" are mined there annually. It’s primarily used for jewelry. Amber is also studied by geologists and paleontologists and is also used in medicine and cosmetology, making tinctures and powders from it.
