Fort number 5 (Kaliningrad) is an important monument of defense architecture. In addition, it is a famous military historical complex of the city. In 1878, a powerful fortification grew at its northwestern outskirts - 5 fort. Kaliningrad in the second half of the XIX century was surrounded by two rings of defensive structures, turning the city into a real fortress.
The history of the Konigsberg Fort Belt
The ancient city of Koenigsberg on the banks of the river Pregol was originally built just like a castle and retained this status until the end of World War II. Already in the middle of the XIII century, the first fortifications appeared here . Earthen ramparts, bastions, powerful walls and military barracks - all this accompanied Kaliningrad almost its entire history. One of the most famous and valuable monuments of urban defensive architecture is Fort 5.
Kaliningrad seriously thought about creating a continuous belt of forts in the second half of the 19th century, when rifled artillery appeared. They were erected at a certain distance from each other, taking into account the range of artillery fire. All 15 forts were connected by one 43-kilometer ring road.
Alas, weapons developed and improved in those days faster than the construction of the Koenigsberg forts. By the beginning of the last century, they began to become hopelessly outdated. The First World War bypassed the defenses of the city, including the 5th fort. Kaliningrad during the Second World War was able to keep the assault on the Soviet troops for only four days, despite the extensive campaign "about the indestructible power of Koenigsberg fortifications", launched the day before in the Hitler press.
Thus, in April 1945, the history of urban forts as military engineering facilities, in fact, ended.
Fort 5, Kaliningrad: a history of construction and operation
The complex was built during the years 1872-1878 near the residential area of Charlottenburg. Now it is located in the forest, at the end of Sovetsky Prospekt.
"King Frederick William III" - so in 1894 the 5th fort was named. Kaliningrad (and then the city of Koenigsberg) under the leadership of this Prussian monarch defended itself against Napoleon’s troops.
The fort was not a strictly military and secret facility. At certain hours and days, ordinary citizens were allowed to visit it. And at the beginning of the twentieth century it was repeatedly used to launch fireworks.
In the spring of 1945, Fort No. 5 felt the main blow of the 43rd Soviet Army and put up serious resistance. The siege lasted four days. The stronghold held on to the last and fell when fierce battles were already in the center of the city. During the assault, Fort No. 5 was badly damaged.
Fort 5 (Kaliningrad): photo, description and current status
The fortification faces its north-west with its frontal part. This is a classic hexagonal building made of red brick, covered with concrete for greater strength. It is 215 meters long and 105 meters wide. It is surrounded by a moat, an earthen rampart and a solid wall.
The construction was carefully masked by vegetation. In the earthen rampart were trenches and firing points for various guns. The fort was connected to the city by a bridge, the approaches to which were covered by a concrete pillbox (preserved in a dilapidated form to this day).
Fort "King Frederick William III" is today considered an object of cultural heritage of Russia. The fortress is a branch of the regional historical and art museum, here you can find rare military photographs. Historical reconstruction is regularly conducted on the territory, highlighting the events of the 1945 Koenigsberg assault.
A memorial complex dedicated to the Soviet soldiers who died during its siege is equipped near the fort. Cannons, torpedoes, bombs and other weapons were installed on the earthen rampart, and near the bunker you can see a monument with the names of fifteen soldiers (heroes of the USSR) who participated in the assault on the fortress.
Finally…
Do I need to visit the 5th fort? Kaliningrad is a city with a rich and rich history. And you can find out about some of its pages here, on the territory of Fort No. 5, King Frederick William III.
Near the stronghold you can see an exhibition of heavy Soviet guns. Inside the fort, you will be told about the history of the creation of the defenses of Koenigsberg-Kaliningrad.
The museum complex is open daily from 10-00 to 20-00.