Mehlauken Kirche, Lutheran church in Zalesye, Russia
The Mehlauken Kirche is an architectural landmark in Zalesye featuring Italian design elements and a separate bell tower, inspired by the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome. The brick structure sits on Bolshakovskaya Street and displays a cross-shaped floor plan.
Built between 1843 and 1846 under Frederick William IV, the church served multiple Lutheran communities until 1945. After World War Two the building lay abandoned for decades, gradually falling into disrepair.
The church brings together Italian and East Prussian building styles, with design choices shaped by royal travels to Italy. Visitors can see this blend of traditions in what remains of the structure and its overall layout.
The building currently stands without a roof and is in poor condition, though it holds protected heritage status. Visitors should be aware that the structure is unstable and can only be viewed from outside while restoration work is needed.
Church records from 1841 to 1843 remain preserved at the German Central Office for Genealogy in Leipzig. These documents offer researchers insight into the early community records during the parish's founding years.
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