Karosta as an independent city area originated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1890 to the north of Liepāja city the massive construction of fortifications and a military camp was begun. The official order to start building was given by Russian Tsar Alexander III. His son, Tsar Nicholas II, named the new base Port of Alexander III. But during the time of the first Latvian independence this place was more and more often referred to as the Kara Osta (War Port).
The port of Alexander III was a fully autonomous, populated area with its own infrastructure, electricity power plant, sewage system, church and schools.
During the Soviet time Karosta was a closed and covert zone with no admission even for the citizens of Liepāja. Soviet-era buildings include many rows of block housing. At its height Karosta was home to over 20,000 people
The pics below are mostly of the barrack housing for the seamen that worked at the nearby Submarine base.
The port of Alexander III was a fully autonomous, populated area with its own infrastructure, electricity power plant, sewage system, church and schools.
During the Soviet time Karosta was a closed and covert zone with no admission even for the citizens of Liepāja. Soviet-era buildings include many rows of block housing. At its height Karosta was home to over 20,000 people
The pics below are mostly of the barrack housing for the seamen that worked at the nearby Submarine base.
