From whatever angle you look at the Ex altation of the Cross Cathedral in Kaliningrad, it is magnificent. For example, from a bird's eye view, a Greek cross appears. Looking at it closely, you should pay attention to the cladding: the brick was specially fired in different ways to get Kida clinker. Arriving in Kaliningrad, the Holy Cross Cathedral should be visited first of all!
The history of the emergence of an architectural structure
The building site was acquired by the Altstadt parish community back in 1913, but construction was not to begin that year as the world plunged into the First World War. When it ended, the idea of erecting a temple again became relevant in the parish community. Already in 1925, the project was ready, but for some reason it was not recognized. Then the Berlin architect, well-known in his circles, was offered to deal with this issue. Arthur Kickton. He agreed, and after some time presented a plan, according to which it was proposed to build not only the church building, but also houses for the priest and the community, directly adjacent to the main building.
On June 15, 1930, the first stone was laid. In 1933, at the beginning of May, the church was consecrated. During the Second World War, like the whole of Kaliningrad, the Holy Cross Cathedral suffered, but not much - only the dome burned down. When the war ended, the building began to be used for economic purposes. There was also a car repair shop and a factory for the manufacture of experimental tools for fishing. The structure was constantly modified, rebuilding as it pleased. As a result, the ceiling simply could not stand it and collapsed. So, already in the 80s of the last century, the once beautiful, and by that time already turned into ruins, church was abandoned.
A few years later, the former Kreuzkirche was transferred to the Orthodox community. In 1991, the Ex altation of the Cross parish was registered. Then the new district of Oktyabrsky Island needed its own church, as it was far from all the others, which Kaliningrad was rich at that time. The Cathedral of the Ex altation of the Cross (rector at that time - Pyotr Berbenychuk) began to be restored. And, it is worth saying, it was at the initiative of Archpriest Peter. The reconstruction lasted 3 years. The building was completely restored, after which, as expected, it was consecrated and opened to parishioners.
Kaliningrad, Holy Cross Cathedral: architecture
Shapethe temple is a Greek cross. The cladding is made of decorative bricks. The cathedral was three-aisled, and above the western facade there were 2 towers of the same size, crowned with domes. They were connected by a gallery, under which there was a clock back in German times.
The main detail of this small complex can be called a rather large niche-portal. Its surface is decorated with a panel depicting a large cross.
If we talk about the architectural style, then the building is most of all late modern, which is combined with elements of neoclassicism.
Interior decoration of the Holy Cross Cathedral in Kaliningrad
The interior was designed by Erhst Feye, a German artist. Also, the Holy Cross Cathedral (Kaliningrad), its interior decoration, included stained-glass windows, sketches for which were created by another specialist - Gerhard Eisenbletter. The third artist was engaged in the design of the baptismal font and special paraphernalia. But all this (that is, the pre-war decoration), of course, could not be restored. Not because the experts could not do it. It's just that the restoration took place already taking into account the Orthodox canons.
In a modern building, the main creation can be called an amber iconostasis. In addition, you should pay attention to the image of a pelican - it symbolizes the sacrifice of the Christian faith.
Kaliningrad, Holy Cross Cathedral:address
The temple is located in the Moscow district of the city of Kaliningrad, along General Pavlov Street, building 2. The coordinates on the map for GPS: longitude - 20°31ˈ20.88"E (20.522466), and latitude - 54°42ˈ20.69"N (54.705746).
Cathedral opening hours
The temple is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday inclusive. On Saturday, the cathedral is open from 9:00 to 20:30, and on Sunday from 7:00 to 20:30.
Located in a city like Kaliningrad, the Holy Cross Cathedral is the main church in the region, as well as a valuable decoration of the city. Designed and created back in Königsberg, this building, although restored from scratch, still harbors the spirit of the Lutheran church, reminiscent of its past. The building that has now become a cult was the last pre-war building of this type, which has its own characteristics and symbolic details. The Ex altation of the Cross Cathedral in Kaliningrad, now an Orthodox church, is a must-visit not only as an attraction, but as a temple.
