Albert Terehovkin captured the Royal Castle in 1950. It is one of his earliest works – he started taking photographs in 1949 when he came to Kaliningrad to enter the Naval military school. In the post-war period the city which became part of the Soviet Union by the decision of the Potsdam Conference in 1945 literally was a pile of rubble.

The trailblazing photographer was particularly impressed by the ruins of the Royal Castle almost brooding above the river Pregel. The photo depicts Terehovkin’s wife – Nadezhda, who is overlooking the surroundings. According to the photographer, she wanted to see the view opening from the pedestal of Bismarck monument. Back then, many photos were made spontaneously without any view of future publications and exhibitions. Hence their humorous amateur nature.

Terehovkin and other Soviet photographers who visited post war Kaliningrad had the opportunity to depicture the unique features of the city that does not exist anymore. As the years passed it became a typical Soviet city losing its link with Western Prussia and its culture.

The Royal Castle was built in 1255. In Medieval times, it served as a fortress for the Order of Crusaders. In 1525, it became an official residence for the Prussian rulers with residential apartments and staterooms of the Duke of Prussia. During this period, the Castle was rebuilt several times – new owners did not like its medieval furnishing. In 1701 the first Prussian King – Frederick I was crowned in the local church. Not long before Peter the Great visited him.

The Castle itself was damaged in 1945 during the assault of Koenigsberg. Eight years after its ruins were blown up. The House of the Soviets was built in its place. The issue of reconstructing the Royal Castle is being discussed for several years however there is no progress in the matter.