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OT Travel Itinerary: 3 Days In Kolkata, The City Of Joy

The City of Joy, as Kolkata is referred to, radiates an indomitable spirit that intertwines history, art, and literature. The capital of West Bengal beckons with its  colonial-era architecture , bustling markets, and a cultural landscape that has nurtured Nobel laureates and literary giants. From the iconic Howrah Bridge to the intellectual haven of  College Street , every corner of Kolkata tells a story, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Bengal's capital. Here is a three-day itinerary that encapsulates the best of the city.

Start your day walking around central Kolkata, exploring the area around the historic Dalhousie Square, or Benoy Badal Dinesh Bagh. It is the core of Kolkata's business sector and a study of colonial architecture. According to the World Monuments Fund, Dalhousie Square is one of South Asia's few surviving colonial centres, and it is unique in India because much of its peripheral environment has survived. The buildings that line the square date from 1695 to 1947. Some of the notable structures are the Writers Building, the General Post Office, the Royal Insurance Building, the Royal Exchange Building, the Telegraph Office, Kolkata Town Hall, St John's Church, and others. The GPO has a small cafe and store selling stamps and other postal memorabilia.

Next move on to the Victoria Memorial. A symbol of Kolkata's grandeur, the Victoria Memorial is a majestic white marble structure that pays homage to Queen Victoria. Surrounded by lush gardens, the memorial houses a museum showcasing the city's colonial history. More info on the website  here .

Address : Victoria Memorial Hall, 1, Queens Way, Maidan, Kolkata

In close proximity is the Indian Museum. Established in 1814, it is one of the oldest museums in Asia. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including fossils, sculptures, and Mughal paintings, offering a glimpse into India's diverse history. Look out for the Egyptian mummy. More info on the website  here .

Address : 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata

Enjoy a tram ride. One of the oldest transport systems in Asia, the trams of Kolkata should be on your must-do list. The most picturesque routes is the one that goes to Kidderpore via the green Maidan and Victoria Memorial. You can also head to the Ballygunge Tram Depot and have some excellent coffee and snacks at the tram cafe there. Read more about the movement to save Kolkata trams here .

Break for lunch at Hashtag , which has a rooftop with stunning views of the area. Or hit up Sorano, a classy Italian joint with pasta and cheese made in-house. Check here for a list of restaurants with contemporary vibes.

After lunch, explore the area around Park Street—there are many atmospheric shops such as Sasha and Bengal Home selling interesting handicrafts.

You can't say you have done Kolkata if you haven't spent time by the Hooghly river that threads through the city. The best way to experience it is to walk the ghats as the sun sets. The most beautiful among these is Prinsep Ghat with majestic Gothic columns, Palladian entrances and fluted Ionian columns. The view is truly mind blowing from here with the shimmering river flowing in front, and the Vidyasagar Setu bridge towering above. Hire a boat or take a ferry ride or a river cruise on the Hooghly passing barges, boats, and old warehouses towards the magnificent Howrah Bridge.

Wrap up your day with dinner at the iconic Flurys in Park Street, which opened in 1927.

Address : Mother Teresa Sarani, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071

Start your day at the Jorasanko Thakurbari, a historic mansion located in North Kolkata, which served as the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The mansion, also known as Thakur Bari, was also the residence of Gaganendranath and Abanindranath Tagore, the founders of the Bengal School of Art. Today, the mansion has been converted into a museum that showcases objects used by the Tagore family members and their works.

Address: Ganesh Talkies, 267, Rabindra Sarani, Singhi Bagan, Jorasanko, Kolkata, West Bengal - 700007. Timings : 10:30am-5pm. Mondays closed.

Next check out the Marble Palace, one of the finest examples of 19th-century European architecture in Kolkata features lovely marble flooring and rich wall panels, rare works of art (including a Rubens and original Raja Ravi Varmas), and five grand halls (a reception area, a painting room, another for sculptures, one for billiards, and a place of worship). 

Address: 46, Muktaram Babu Street, Kolkata 700007.

Stop for a break at the Indian Coffee House . The walls of the cafe have overheard numerous passionate discussions and debates by figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Manna Dey, and Amartya Sen, as the place has been the hub for local adda-bazi. Explore the iconic College Street area after a coffee here.

Address: 15, Bankim Chatterjee St, College Square West, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073

Take a walk down the streets of Terreti Bazaar, India's oldest Chinatown. Check out the Chinese clubs and temples such as Gee Hing and Toong On. The latter was built in 1924 and had housed the famous Nanking restaurant where celebrities like Dilip Kumar, Meena Kumari and Shammi Kapoor used to hang out. The Sea Ip Church's antique wooden staircase is from China. Pick up spices, tea, noodles, dried mushrooms from Chinese provision stores.

Break for lunch at Eau Chew, a family-run eating house considered to be one of the oldest Chinese eateries in the city. The dishes here have been created with secret family recipes passed down through generations.

Address : 12, Ganesh Chandra Ave, Esplanade, Chowringhee North, Bowbazar, Kolkata

When you are in Kolkata, the city of intellectualism you have got to stock up on books. Pay a visit to Earthcare Books, located on Kolkata's Middleton Street, known for its carefully curated stock of books on the environment with selected titles from a number of small, independent publishers, especially in the alternative sector. These are rarely found elsewhere under one roof. Read more about it here .

Address: Earthcare bookstore, 10, Middleton St, near Maidan, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071

Do some shopping at New Market. Established in 1874, New Market was formerly known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market. Situated on Lindsay Street, it is a bustling shopping destination offering a variety of goods in different sections, including all kinds of food items, clothing, accessories, and handicrafts. Some things to pick up from here is the distinctive  Bandel cheese , silver from the Tibetan silver stores, Shantiniketan leather goods, and hand embroidered bed and table linen.

Start your day early with a walk around the Lakes (or Rabindra Sorobor). Located in the heart of south Kolkata, this is a cluster of water bodies with pathways for walking and jogging, clusters of trees, a stage for concerts, swimming pools and clubs.

Have brunch, and do some shopping, at Byloom. This boutique in South Kolkata's Hindustan Park area is known for their signature handloom sarees, stoles, dresses, tee-shirts, shirts, and kurtas. Tucked inside is the Byloom Canteen which offers a range of handcrafted beverages perfect for the heat and dust, Darjeeling tea, coffee, sandwiches, and Bangla snacks (think Kolkata's famous chop-cutlets, luchi-mangsho, fish fry, and more).

Address: 58b, Hindustan Park Rd, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029

Next walk around immersing in the charm of more old houses. Kolkata is the only city in India which has still held on to a huge number of old buildings dating back centuries. Take a walk along areas like Harish Mukherjee Road and Hindustan Park and you will come across many such structures. Several of these places have been converted into cafes and eateries. Check here for a list.

If you have more things and people to shop for, hit up Dakshinapan Shopping Complex, a government-run place showcasing traditional handicrafts, textiles, and artifacts from different regions of India.

Address: Off Dhakuria Bridge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700068

Check here for a list of interesting things to pick up in Kolkata. Bengalis are renowned for their love of sweets. When in Kolkata, be sure to try some of the best Bengali sweets, or mishti, at these iconic shops.

This is your last day and last dinner, so make it count. Kolkata is known as a  hub of good food , a result of the many culinary influences of different communities over centuries. The city made it to the  list of great global food destinations  compiled by Eater, the award-winning digital media brand that publishes a list of the world's best culinary destinations every year. For Bengali food, try 6 Ballygunge Place. This is a chain now but the original is nestled in a heritage house, and serves authentic Bengali cuisine in a nostalgic setting. The restaurant is known for its traditional thalis and seafood delicacies. More info on their website  here .

Address : 6, Dr Amiya Bose Sarani Rd, near Patha Bhavan School, Ballygunge Place, Ballygunge, Kolkata

Kolkata is known for its Awadhi-style biryani . Royal Indian Hotel serves up a saffron hued plate. Have it with a side of their famous mutton chaap. Though the original outlet is in North Kolkata, the one near Park Circus crossing is the one to go to.

Address : 24 A, Syed Amir Ali Ave, Lower Range, Park Circus, Ballygunge, Kolkata

Where To Stay

Kolkata offer a range of accommodation options from luxury to homestays and guest houses. Here are some.

The Oberoi Grand:  A colonial-era masterpiece, The Oberoi Grand offers luxurious rooms, fine dining experiences, and a central location in the heart of Kolkata. More about the property and prices  here .

Address : 15, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata

ITC Sonar:  Nestled amidst acres of greenery, ITC Sonar is a luxury hotel with modern amenities, spacious rooms, and a tranquil ambiance. More about the property and prices  here.

Address : 1, JBS Haldane Ave, Tangra, Kolkata

Metropole:  Located in South Kolkata off Deshopriyo Park crossing, Metropole is ideal for leisure and business travellers alike. The multi-cuisine restaurant-bar and cafe at Metropole attracts local residents regularly. More about the property and prices  here .

Address : 174 Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata

Calcutta Bungalow:  Several colonial era bungalows have been restored and transformed into atmospheric boutique stays. One such is the Calcutta Bungalow, a popular B&B in a characteristic 1920s building. More about the property and prices  here . Check  here  for a list of similar heritage stays in Kolkata.

Address : 5, Radha Kanta Jew St, Fariapukur, Shyam Bazar, Kolkata

Getting There

If you're flying, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is the primary gateway. Alternatively, the city is well-connected by rail, with Howrah and Sealdah major railway stations. Bus services and private vehicles also ply on well-maintained roads.

Best Time To Go

Winter is the best time, from October end till February. Kolkata remains hot and humid from March end to around mid June.

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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History Hit Story of England: Making of a Nation

• 20th Century

Tourism and Leisure in Nazi Germany: Strength Through Joy Explained

Graham Land

22 jul 2018.

What recreational activities were available in Nazi Germany? If you weren’t Jewish, Roma, Sinti , gay, disabled, communist, a Jehovah’s Witness or a member of any other persecuted minority, there was the KdF— Kraft durch Freude — better known in the English-speaking world as Strength Through Joy.

What was Strength Through Joy, exactly?

Part of the German Labour Front (DAF), KdF was a populist movement designed to provide ordinary Germans with holiday and leisure opportunities previously only available to the upper and middle classes. It began by organising theatre events, athletics, libraries and day trips.

In essence, it was a way of managing the population by controlling what people did with their free time. Part government program and part business, in the 1930s Strength Through Joy was the world’s largest tourism operator.

In 1937, 9.6 million Germans participated in some form of KdF event, including over a million hikes. Fascist Italy co-operated with the Strength Through Joy program by providing Alpine ski trips and holidays on its Riviera.

KdF even offered cruises. By the start of the Second World War, which more-or-less put a stop to the program and holiday activities in Germany, KdF had sold over 45 million holidays and excursions.

Control: the true purpose of KdF

While the purposes of Strength Through Joy included breaking down class divisions and stimulating the German economy, the real goal was part of the Nazi Party’s effort to control all aspects of life in the Third Reich.

The Amt für Feierabend or After-work Activity Office of KdF, sought to fill German citizens every non-working moment with pursuits geared towards the support of the Nazi Party and its ideals. In other words, there would be no time or room for dissent, whether by thought or by action.

Government spies posing at KdF camps and other destinations attempted to make sure of this, as did the constant regimental nature of the holidays.

Unrealised KdF projects

While the program was in some ways a preparation for war, the outbreak of the conflict meant that organised holidays and leisure activities had to be put on hold. Because of this some of KdF’s grandest projects were never completed.

KdF-Wagen: the people’s car

From a brochure for the KdF-Wagen, which became the Volkswagen Beetle.

The first version of what would become the Volkswagen Beetle was in fact a Strength Through Joy endeavour. Though never available to the public due to the wholesale shift of industry towards production for the war effort, the KdF-Wagen was to be an affordable people’s car, which could be purchased through a state-supported scheme involving a stamp-savings book that could be exchanged for the car when full.

Prora: a beach resort for the masses

Just one of Prora’s 8 original building, credit: Christoph Stark (Flickr CC).

A gigantic holiday resort on the island of Rügen in the Baltic Sea, Prora was constructed as a KdF project during 1936 – 1939. The seaside collection of 8 colossal buildings, stretching 4.5 km (2.8 miles), was designed to house 20,000 holidaymakers in simple 2-bed rooms.

The design for Prora won a Grand Prix award at the Paris World Exhibition in 1937, but the resort was never actually used for its intended purpose as construction stopped with the advent of World War Two.

During the war it was used as a shelter against bombing raids, then to house refugees and finally female auxiliary members of the Luftwaffe .

In post-war East Germany, Prora functioned for 10 years as a Soviet military base, but was then stripped of all useable materials and 2 of the blocks were knocked down. The East German military used it in different capacities throughout the state’s 41-year existence.

As a true sign of the times, recent years have seen Prora’s remaining buildings redeveloped into a youth hostel, art gallery, housing for the elderly, a hotel, shopping centre and luxury holiday homes.

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