A crossroads of culture

Five Interesting Facts about Kaliningrad

1. Lithuanian bookworms love it

In the 16th century, Konigsberg became an important center of Lithuanian culture, as the first book ever printed in Lithuanian, the Catechism, was printed here. Of the 200 copies printed, only two have survived; one is stored in the Vilnius University Library in Lithuania, and the other is in the Nicolaus Copernicus University Library in Torun, Poland.

2. Two towns, one name

In 1946 the city was renamed Kaliningrad. However, there was already a town of that name in the Soviet Union in the Moscow Oblast, and the duplication caused plenty of correspondence problems. Letters meant for the former Konigsberg were constantly delivered to the town close to Moscow. The problem was only resolved in 1996, when the Kaliningrad near Moscow was renamed Korolyov.

3. The "sun" always shines

Kaliningrad Oblast possesses over 90 percent of the world's amber. A flawless piece of fossilized resin, otherwise known as the "sunstone", amber can fetch its weight in gold. If the gemstone has an insect or lizard trapped inside, the price can reach up to six-digits.

4. An old city with shallow roots

The city became a part of the Soviet Union after World War II, and the Germans who survived the war were relocated. The city was then repopulated with Russians from other parts of the country.

5."Little Russia" is a big draw

Inhabitants of Kaliningrad often call the main part of the country "big Russia" and their exclave "little Russia". Big Russia has a lot to be envious of; Kaliningrad is regularly voted the most business-friendly city in Russia, as well as the most comfortable place for living.