Kaliningrad city overview
Kaliningrad city (also spelled Kalinigrad) is an administrative center of Kaliningrad oblast of Russia. Before 1255 the city was known as Tuvangaste, from 1255 till 1946 the name of the city was Kenigsberg (Konigsberg).
Kaliningrad is an important seaport, railway and highway junction of Russia. There is an international airport in the city.
Kaliningrad city has the population of about 422,000 (2008). The land area of the city - 216 sq. km.
Kaliningrad city phone code - +7-4012. Postal codes - 236000-236040.
Kaliningrad city history
In 1255 Teutonic Knights built Konigsberg castle. In 1457 Konigsberg castle became Teutonic Order headquarters. Konigsberg town suffered heavy damage from Allies air attacks in 1944 during World War II. The historic center of Konigsberg city was completely destroyed including castle, cathedral, churches and universities.
Konigsberg city became the part of Soviet Union in 1945 (as part of Russian SFSR). Konigsberg city was renamed Kaliningrad. It happened after Mikhail Kalinin (Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR) died in 1946. The remaining German residents were expelled from Kaliningrad city. The city was repopulated with Russian citizens.
Kaliningrad city was rebuilt and went through industrialization and modernization. Kaliningrad oblast was one of the most western territories of the USSR. Kaliningrad oblast became a strategically important area during the Cold War and was closed to foreign visitors.
Today Kaliningrad city is the only Russian Baltic Sea port that is ice-free all year around. Kaliningrad city plays an important role in Russian Baltic Fleet maintenance.
