Bastion Kronprinz

38 Litovsky Val St., Kaliningrad, Kaliningrad Region, Russia, 236038

The "Kronprinz" bastion was built in the first half of the 19th century. At that time, military barracks were located inside the bastion. The building itself has four floors. Special attention was given to the construction of the cellars: they were made particularly deep. All the underground passages are connected to each other through a special tunnel system. A large moat surrounded the bastion. To enhance protection, a row of sharp battlements was placed on the roof. There was a large courtyard on the barracks' grounds.

Kaliningrad: the ring of Königsberg fortifications in the mid-19th century

The bastion began construction on October 15, 1843. The project was designed by Ernst Ludwig von Aster, who was inspired by the works of the Russian engineer Carbonnier. Construction lasted more than 6 years: it was only in 1849 that the military "dormitory" opened its doors.

The building was named after the Crown Prince of Prussia — Wilhelm I. Initially, it housed elite grenadier troops — the 1st East Prussian Infantry Regiment. It distinguished itself well in the battles of the First World War but was disbanded after its conclusion — on June 1, 1919. In 1905, a monument was erected near the walls of the "Kronprinz" barracks in honor of the 250th anniversary of the grenadier regiment of the same name. However, it has not survived to this day.

The bastion is built of red brick, with massive walls and pointed windows. The defensive complex includes: a three-story main building in a U-shape; two side wings; rear buildings; and a spacious inner courtyard — the parade ground.

In earlier times, a fortress moat surrounded the barracks. Today, the fortress is surrounded by urban buildings.

The "Kronprinz" bastion was constructed in the first half of the 19th century. At that time, the bastion housed military barracks. The building itself has four floors. Special attention was paid to the cellars during construction: they were made especially deep. All underground passages are connected into a special tunnel system. A large moat surrounded the bastion. To strengthen defense, a row of sharp battlements was placed on the roof. There was a large courtyard on the barracks' territory.

From November 1918 to March 1919, the building was occupied by the headquarters of the revolutionary troops of Germany. In 1933, the 1st Infantry Regiment (Ostpreussisches Grenadier-Regiment 1 Kronprinz) was stationed here.

During World War II, the fortress was handed over to the police and the troops of the Königsberg garrison. There were no fierce battles inside the building, and the walls were not stormed. Therefore, this unique example of German defensive architecture has survived to us in good condition.

After the war, the building first housed a penal battalion that participated in the storming of Königsberg; later, in the 1950s-1960s, it was home to the 27th Separate Tank Repair Regiment of central subordination and the training automotive battalion of the tank division, the Kaliningrad Maritime School, a dormitory, fishery organizations, warehouses, and shops. In 1989, the classrooms of the Kaliningrad Higher School of Management were located in the barracks building; in the eastern wing of the barracks, there is a popular bar well known to locals.

During the Soviet era, the building was not reconstructed. The premises were initially used by Soviet troops for repair work, and in the 1990s, they were leased out.

The bastion is a landmark of military-engineering architecture. As an object of all-Russian historical and cultural heritage, the Kronprinz barracks are protected by the state.

At present, the bastion cannot boast perfect condition. The interior is quite neglected; floors have not been preserved on all levels. Few windows remain in the building. However, nature is very pleasing: trees, bushes, and grasses abound, creating a wonderful life-affirming atmosphere here. And while the interior condition of the bastion is rather deplorable, its external power and grandeur have been preserved perfectly.

Sources:

https://amberkenig.ru/dostoprimechatelnosti/kazarma-kronprincz/

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