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Old Castles of East Prussia
There are nearly 20 old castles of East Prussia on the territory of Kaliningrad region. Most of them are empty ruins, which survived several wars since 13th century. Now the remains of old castles still look impressive and are encircle by unique mysteries atmosphere.
In the recent time Kaliningrad region government discusses plans of castle reconstruction. They see opportunity in the close future to put castles on the auction. New owner may use the castle for tourism and recreative needs, but keep the historical look of the building.
So, famous Balga castle is expected as a historical center with tourist zone, which will be near – museums, hotels and restaurants. The idea came from earliest time. In the beginning of 20th century during German time castle was attracted for tourists and a museum of regional history was opened there was in 1928.
In the south-west of Kaliningrad region Balga castle is one of the most loved by visitors. It is the oldest castles on the region (1239) and located on the coast of the Kaliningrad bay in 40 km far from Kaliningrad. There are picturesque ruins of Castle church, which was famous by its 15th century altar and wooden art peace “Glory of Christos”, and a big castle tower, remaining parts of castle ditch.
The last several hundred miles on the way to the castle are the most picturesque. Teutonic knight’s stone road and surrounded stone walls and trees, which are hundreds years old, are breathtaking. In the spring the way to the ruins of Balga is stuff by blooming flowers of lilac. It`s unforgettable experience to be almost lost in the blooming and fragrance plants and then found between them lost world of Teutonic knights. Wonderful landscape of the castle is still remaining with more than 50 rear types of plants, including fruits. That garden belonged to Komtur –Teutonic knights` commander, who had residence in the Balga castle.
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