Königsberger Dom (Königsberg Cathedral), a monument of world culture in Kaliningrad
Igor Odintsov was the winner of a contest for the preservation of cultural heritage organised by the European Union (EU). The “Europa Nostra” federation for cultural heritage, with headquarters in Brussels, invited Mr Odintsov to an award ceremony in London from 11 to 13 June. Western Europeans praised his efforts to rebuild the Königsberger Dom (Königsberg Cathedral), a monument of world culture, situated in the most westernmost Russian city, Kaliningrad (formerly Königsberg in Germany, before 1945).
For more than 15 years, Mr Odintsov, a builder by profession, headed the office supervising the work to restore the Königsberger Dom. When he first saw the historic building, heavily damaged by RAF and USAAF bombing during World War II, it was in ruins. The Cathedral, built in the 14th century, had no vaults or roof. Painstaking work involving experienced restorers from Russia and Germany lasted 15 years. Now, one can see the Cathedral in all its glory. There is a museum, dedicated to the great German philosopher Immanuel Kant, whose grave is located near the Cathedral. The world-famous Wallenrod Library was restored as well.
The Königsberger Dom is now one of the best-known musical venues in the city. World stars regard it an honour to perform there. Orchestras directed by Yuri Temirkanov, Valery Gergiev, and Vladimir Spivakov were amongst those that performed at the Dom. Of course, since it is a former Catholic church, one can hear masterpieces played on its pipe organ. Actually, there are two pipe organs in the Königsberger Dom, one of which is one of the largest in Europe…
10 June 2008
Natalia Viktorova
Voice of Russia World Service
http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=28221&cid=62&p=10.06.2008
