The Moscow Triumphal Gates in St. Petersburg, located at 103 Moskovsky Avenue, were built in honor of the victories of the Russian army over Persia in 1826-1828, Turkey in 1828-1829, and the suppression of the uprising in Poland. The author of this monumental structure was Vasily Stasov, and the client was Emperor Nicholas I. The weight of the heaviest cast iron piece in the world used in the gates exceeds 51,000 poods. The gates miraculously survived the Soviet era, thanks to the war.

History of the Creation of the Moscow Triumphal Gates

Once, at the site of the current gates, there was a city checkpoint through which everyone who wanted to enter the capital passed. The road led to Moscow. The idea of creating triumphal gates emerged in the second half of the 18th century. Catherine II commissioned the project to the Frenchman K. Clerisso, but it turned out to be too expensive. Vasily Stasov also developed designs for arches in honor of the victory over Napoleon, but they were not realized.

Nicholas I returned to the idea of the gates to immortalize Russia's victories in wars with Persia, Turkey, and in Poland. It was planned that the gates would adorn a huge square at the intersection of Moskovsky Highway and the Ligovsky Canal. However, due to the growth of St. Petersburg, the construction site was changed.

Architect A. K. Kavos proposed a large-scale project for a triumphal ensemble, which was rejected due to high costs. The new project was entrusted to Vasily Stasov, known for his monumental structures. He proposed two options, and the emperor chose the more grandiose one. In 1833, Stasov prepared sketches of the facades of the gates.

The gates were decided to be made of cast iron, as Russian foundry workers possessed high craftsmanship. Each column weighed 450 tons and consisted of 9 cast iron blocks. Stasov personally oversaw the production process at the Foundry Plant.

The site for the gates was chosen in January 1834. In the square, named Moscow Gates, a model of the gates was constructed in 20 days. Nicholas I approved the project, making his corrections.

By 1834, the project with two guardhouses was approved. For the foundation, 569 blocks were used, some of which were taken from the foundation of the Smolny Bell Tower. During the laying of the gates on September 14, 1834, valuable coins and commemorative plaques were placed in the foundation.

Stasov rarely appeared at the construction site; he was replaced by his apprentice E. I. Dimert. In 1836, the assembly of the gates began under the guidance of master foundry worker Zaburdin. The first column was inspected by Stasov and Finance Minister Kankrin.

The architectural design of the gates raised many questions. Nicholas I rejected Stasov's initial version. Stasov preferred a strict style, avoiding ornate decor. The next sculptural design project was developed by B. I. Orlovsky, but he did not manage to complete the work due to injury and subsequent death.

The Moscow Gates are designed as a portico-propylaea with 16 Doric columns. Above the arch are the geniuses of Victory, and inside one of the columns is a staircase. The gates reached a height of almost 25 meters and a length of about 40 meters.

The inscription on the gates, conceived by the emperor, reads: "To the victorious Russian troops in memory of their feats in Persia, Turkey, and in suppressing Poland in 1826-1831." The Russian text is addressed to Moscow, while the Latin text is addressed to St. Petersburg.

The solemn opening of the gates took place on October 16, 1838. The ceremony was attended by builders, guards, and the public. The military distinguished in the campaigns of the 1830s were awarded commemorative medals.

In the 1930s, the gates were dismantled due to the reconstruction of Moskovsky Avenue. It was planned to create a new city center and use the gates to decorate the entrance to Victory Park. However, the war changed these plans.

After the war, the idea of restoring the gates arose again. By 1961, the gates were restored. In 2000-2001, a major reconstruction took place. The inscription conceived by Nicholas was long coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but ultimately it was left unchanged.

Today, the Moscow Triumphal Gates are perceived as a monument to the greatness of the Russian people and a sample of monumental art.