Operational Sites and Bases
Naval Stations
Primary Naval Base
Karosta
Full name of site:
Karosta
Location:
Karosta, Liepājas pilsēta, Letland
Operational period:
1947
to
1991
Primary user:
Soviet Navy
Description:
The Karosta is the largest historical military territory in the Baltics and occupies almost one third of the entire territory of Liepāja. The Karosta is a unique compound of military and fortification buildings on the shores of the Baltic Sea with a special meaning in the history and architecture of Latvia and the world. The Karosta features such military heritage sites as the North Pier and forts, the Redan, Karosta Prison, Karosta Water Tower, St. Nicholas Orthodox Maritime Cathedral, Oskars Kalpaks Bridge and others.
Ownership:
Publicly owned by Local Municipality, some areas are private
Valuation of authenticity and integrity:
Baseline 1991. Many buildings are well preserved with minor alterations to the exterior, while most military equipment has been removed.
Status and access:
Access: Partial. In operational in civilian use. Public access to parts of the exterior areas. Several museums in the interior of the site are being operated. Beware: Public access to closed areas of the site is prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted according to national law.