Wunsdorf “Forbidden City”
In 1945, the Red Army took over the entire Wunsdorf complex, which became home to about 40,000 soldiers. The special district was called “Little Moscow” and was equipped with a hospital, cinema, theater, kindergartens, shops, schools, swimming pool, and recreational centers.
“Forbidden City”
To explain the origin of the name “Forbidden City,” we must go back a bit to the early days of the Wunsdorf military training area. At the end of the 19th century, a military artillery range was established in Wunsdorf, which in 1910, the German Empire’s army transformed into its garrison. The town developed rapidly, buildings were constructed, and a railway was connected. During World War I, it became the headquarters of the German army. When Adolf Hitler came to power in the 1930s, bunkers with a characteristic pointed design were built in Wunsdorf (for more information about the bunkers, SEE HERE). The German army was stationed in Wunsdorf until 1945, when after bombing, they were forced to leave the area, which was then taken over by the Red Army.
For years, the Soviet army occupied the Wunsdorf area. During this time, they created a self-sufficient town with a hospital, cinema, theater, kindergartens, schools, shops, a swimming pool, and recreational centers. The place became home to 40,000 soldiers and was called “Little Moscow.” A daily train also ran from there to Moscow.
For nearly 50 years, the Russians were stationed in Wunsdorf, and ordinary Germans were not allowed access, and the place became known as the “Forbidden City.” In 1994, Soviet troops withdrew from the Eastern Front, and the residents of Wunsdorf hurriedly left their homes, often leaving behind all their belongings and memorabilia.
For a long time, the town stood empty, the area was put up for sale, but no buyers came forward. Currently, the town is inhabited by a few thousand residents, and the local tourist office organizes tours of the “Forbidden City.”
“Barracks”
I managed to enter one of the abandoned buildings that resemble barracks. It is located opposite the old officer’s house, which can be visited for a small fee. The main gate of the complex was open, and it was possible to enter the site. The place itself feels like a journey through time. I found old Russian newspapers, armored cabinets, a cinema, and a room that appeared to be a command post, where once a huge map of Europe was painted on the wall.
The building is very damaged, almost all of the windows are broken. The complex consists of 4 buildings: the first three are connected in the shape of a “U,” while the fourth stands alone.
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