Do we really need to restore the Königsberg Castle?

The information about the King’s Castle reconstruction regularly flashes in local mass media. The articles issued are sometimes provocative. Using historical references their authors strongly appeal whether to people who are against the creating of a castle replica or to people who believe that act of restoration can enrich our city both financially and culturally.

I share the point that Kaliningrad does not need a modern replica of a castle. Having analyzed the data from both newspapers and historical sources I came to a conclusion that reconstruction is not reasonable. It is easy to prove – first and foremost, even the most accurate replica does not arise all the interest that an original monument does.

I must also note that reconstruction of a German historic landmark on Russian territory is a moot point. The very idea of investments into a foreign cultural product might not be taken in by a larger part of the society. Lots of Kaliningrad people feel deprived of Russian national culture because they live on an island full of foreign architectural heritage. Apparently, financing another piece of German architecture will only strain the situation in cultural sphere.

Restoration of the King’s Castle is problematic not only from the point of national cultural policy; it is also a complicated ethical issue. Everybody knows about the disastrous events in Russian history connected with Germany. From Teutonic knights’ invasions to Fascist expansion - Russian people seem to have an innate remembrance of these gory episodes. Those who are not ignorant of history will definitely feel a negative connotation of the King’s Castle replica.

Certainly, some people may want the castle reconstructed because of its aesthetics. However, the Königsberg Castle was not like other famous European castles. It its final version the building was very eclectic: it was not fully baroque or gothic and it did not save the exterior of the original Teutonic fortlet. All the architectural features were mixed like a patchwork. Apparently, the city needs to have something more architecturally wholesome in its centre.

In addition to all abovementioned I can say: if there’s a real need of historically meaningful object in the centre of Kaliningrad, let it be a replica of an ancient Prussian settlement that had been there before the Teutonic Order conquest. At least, thus the historical justice on the East Prussian land will be obtained.