Designed and built by Friedrich Heitman between 1904 and 1907, this is one of the most impressive of the few remaining pre-war buildings in the city. Set in a residential district in the southern part of the city, it was originally designed to serve Königsberg’s growing Catholic community. Heitman was influenced by the designs of the places of worship of East Prussia’s old orders and the building, symmetrical in design with a high nave and tall tower, is considered one of his most important works. It is claimed that funerals never took place here, just weddings and baptisms (as well as mass) because Heitman wanted the spirit of Christ and his family on earth to prevail in the church. 

Although partially damaged during the war, it survived but has never since been a place of worship. In fact in the decades following the war it was used as a warehouse among other things and it wasn’t until 1980 that it was rebuilt to serve as the concert hall of the Kaliningrad Regional Philharmonic Society.  The plaque outside commemorates Denisov Viktor Vasilievich (1926-2004) who was the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Kaliningrad (the equivalent of a USSR mayor) who is credited with the rebuilding of the church.

The stage was originally housed where the altar had once been with the audience seated in the main part of the former church and on the balcony. This was changed in 1982 when the Czechoslovakian company Rieger Kloss supplied a magnificent organ featuring 3 keyboards, 3600 pipes and 44 registers. The new organ was constructed on the balcony and the audience was turned around to fact it, with the former altar area becoming the amphitheatre. 

The result is quite remarkable and extremely atmospheric. It is possible to visit when concerts are not taking place and if you are lucky you, like us, might find yourself receiving a private concert as the musicians practice. Some may find the experience of sitting on a former altar a little unsettling, but if you can get past that, this is truly one of the most recommended spots to visit during your stay in Kaliningrad.