Almost every citizen of the Russian Federation knows about the existence of a remote island of the homeland, which is the Kaliningrad region. However, few thought about why this territory belongs to our country, and not to Germany or Poland. In fact, this question is very interesting from a historical point of view.
History
The regional center of the westernmost region of Russia did not always bear the name of the best city in Russia - Kaliningrad. In early historical documents he was called unusual for a Russian person - Twangste. Then, in the period from 1255 to July 4, 1946, the city began to be called in the German manner - Königsberg. It was an economic and cultural center, the capital of East Prussia. A significant part of this province following the results of the Potsdam Conference was transferred to the USSR and later became the Kaliningrad region.
Especially memorable for the city are several dates. One of which is April 6, 1945. It was on this day that the Red Army began the assault on Koenigsberg. During the battle, many soldiers died on both sides. A large contribution to the positive outcome of the assault was made by selected guard units. That is why in their honor in Kaliningrad the monument “1200 guardsmen” was erected. Another event that influenced the fate of the city happened on July 4, 1946. On this day M.I. died Kalinin, who had by then received the unspoken title of "All-Union Warden." In his honor, it was decided to rename Koenigsberg.
City development
In the post-war period, Kaliningrad became very actively populated. In parallel with this was the process of changing the national composition of the city. According to the 1947 census, there were only 20,000 Germans left. Although a few years earlier this figure was 20 times higher. The “new owners” also treated the historical architectural and cultural heritage without much reverence. The old city, which suffered from military operations, was not restored, but on the contrary, its ruins were ruthlessly destroyed. In their place, standard panel houses were built. Therefore, German buildings survived only closer to the outskirts.
At the same time, the attitude towards architectural monuments changed in the 80s. During this period, the restoration of the Church of the Holy Family, the church in memory of Queen Louise, the Koenigsberg Stock Exchange. Somewhat later, the historical appearance of the Cathedral and Hanseatic Square (Victory Square) was restored.
Military and economic importance
Thus, Kaliningrad is an amazing mix of cultures. And if you look for a “window to Europe” in Russia, you simply cannot find a more suitable candidate for this title. Indeed, the city has not only strategic military and economic importance. It is also one of the spiritual centers of modern Russia. There are many museums and large libraries, several theaters, a zoo and a botanical garden, as well as an art gallery. The Cathedral deserves special mention, which, along with amber, is a symbol of Kaliningrad, because Orthodox and Lutheran cultures are closely intertwined in this religious center.
The best city of Russia
In order to find out about all the sights of the city, you certainly need to visit it. As a confirmation of the fact that time will not be wasted, there are numerous ratings in which Kaliningrad occupies a leading position. For example, the Kommersant magazine for three consecutive years (2012, 2013 and 2014) recognized it as the best city in Russia, and according to RBC, it is also the most beautiful settlement in the country. 
