Tourism - Sightseeing - Karosta (Naval port)
Karosta (Naval port)
Karosta (Naval port) is a northern neighborhood which occupies one third of Liepāja city. It is a spectacular, paradoxical and unique site not only in Latvia but also in the world’s history and architecture. Its environment reflects interaction of tsarist Russia military elegance and soviet militarism. Karosta today is a special neighborhood. It is not anymore a closed area of a military base but a tourism site with inspiring environment for creative people as well.
In 1890., north of Liepaja city began massive construction of fortifications and military camp. The official order to start building was given by Russian tsar Alexander III. His son, tsar Nikolay II, named the new base "Port of Alexander III". Only during the time of first Latvian independence this place was more and more often referred to as the "Kara Osta" (War Port).
The port of Alexander III was fully autonomous populated area with its own infrastructure, electricity power plant and sewage system, church and schools. There was even a post office under the name "Port Imperatora Aleksandra III". If you wanted to send a postcard from here to Liepaja, the price was as for an intercity shipment - three kopecks, the same what one would pay to send a card to Vladivostok. Local deliveries cost 1 kopeck.
In March 1857., in an explicit report the engineer prefers Liepaja "regarding the fact, that it freezes less and is located closer to European markets". Many streets and houses of Karosta are now empty, as the population dropped from 25 -30 thousand people till 1994, to approximately 7 thousand people living there today. You will see many abandoned Tsar-time buildings, as well as soviet-time housing blocks. Karosta is rich with its geographical location on the Baltic sea shore, with its forests, architecture contrasts (such as a soviet style housing block nearby a gorgeous orthodox cathedral), and different people - local inhabitants, tourists, artists and militarists; beaches, fortresses and sunsets - all together!
From Liepaja city centre you can reach Karosta by public buses No 3, 4, 7 or 8 and route mini-bus taxis No 1, 2, 3 or 6. Territory of Karosta is large, objects are fare away each from other, so it is better to go there by your own transport.
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CHANNEL and O.KALPAKS BRIDGE One of the oldest Liepāja bridges – was built in 1906. It is a metal structure swing bridge and connects Karosta with the rest of Liepāja. It took about 5 minutes to open the bridge and let a ship through. more.. Listen to Audiofile 1, Listen to Audiofile |
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BALTIC DIVERS' TRAINING CENTRE |
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CONVENTION HOUSE OF NAVY OFFICERS It was built in 1907. It was used for the needs of tsarists Russia aristocracy. more.. Listen to Audiofile |
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GALLERY OF TEMPORARY ART K.MĀKSLA? It offers its visitors non-traditional and avant-garde art exhibitions and theatrical performances. more.. |
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THE NORTHERN BREAKWATER It is almost two kilometres long and it took more than two years to build it. The Breakwater rotects the inner roadstead of the Port of Liepāja against the storms ad sand drifts. more.. Listen to Audiofile |
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NEIGHBOURING FORTRESS Named after its more close location to the inhabited part of Karosta, unlike the remote Northern fortress. more.. |
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NORTHERN FORTRESS Use the chance to join a guided tour in torchlight through the underground labyrinths of the Northern Fortress, which was not destroyed in explosions, unlike the Neighbouring Fortress, which is very impressive from outside, as it is gradually falling in the sea. more.. Listen to Audiofile |
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ST. NIKOLAY ORTHODOX NAVAL CATHEDRAL It was built in 1901-1903. The foundation stone was laid by Tsar Nikolay II. The Cathedral is one of Karosta symbols. more.. Listen to Audiofile |
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WATER TOWER It is 37 m high and was built in 1905. Nowadays the water is supplied by power-operated pumps. more.. Listen to Audiofile |
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MANEGE An indoor horse riding and gymnastics manege originally was used for military exercises, small-size maneuvers as well as for public events for up to 4000 people at the same time. more.. Listen to Audiofile |
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KAROSTA MILITARY DETENTION CENTRE or KAROSTA PRISION At Invalīdu street 4 since the beginning of the 20th century had been used as military detention centre for seamen and non-commissioned navy officers. more.. Listen to Audiofile |
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MAIL CARRIER PIGEONS' STATION On Pulkveza Brieza Str. 6, there is a peculiar house. In the 1930ties there were living apartments there, yet the time has preserved well the specific look of the house. Here, for almost twenty years, was a military mail carrier pigeons station. more.. Listen to Audiofile |
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BEBERLIŅI There is a place where you can relax, swim, do some picnic and so on. Children there can play and have fun. more.. |
