Description of the attraction
One of the seven preserved city gates of ancient Konigsberg (now Kaliningrad) are located on the picturesque shore of Lake Superior, making up a single architectural ensemble with the Don tower (Amber Museum). The Rossgarten Gate, built in 1852-1855 on the site of the previously existing (early seventeenth century), was geographically located in the Rosgarten region (translated from German - "horse pasture"), famous for its stretching pastures and picturesque countryside. The gate building was designed by Hauptmann Engineer Irfügelbrecht and Lieutenant Engineer von Heil, while the Gothic forms on the façade were designed by Augustin Stühler. The main arch of the gate is decorated with two portrait medallions depicting the famous Prussian generals Scharnhorst and Gneisenau.
The fortification is a building with an elevated central part and an arch in the middle, on each side there are three casemates that make up the facade. Also, the elements of the architectural complex include: a courtyard, bridgeheads and a bridge over the moat. In the design of the facade (city side) were used: octagonal turrets, ending with decorative machicules, and arcades with columns. The outer side, in contrast to the "city" facade, does not have a decorated design, and the arched passage is covered by a blockhouse for conducting rifle and artillery fire, and instead of windows in the casemates there are embrasures.
After the war, the Rossgarten Gate was reconstructed, and since August 1960 it has had the status of a cultural heritage site of federal significance. Nowadays, a restaurant is located in the blockhouse of the gate, and the side casemates serve for the entrance of visitors. On the bridge over the moat, a summer cafe is set up during a warm period of time. Near the Rossgarten Gate there is the Amber Museum (Don Tower), the Wrangel Tower and the Oberteich Bastion.
