The Triumphal Gates of Volgograd, also known as the propylaea on the central embankment, were built in the second half of the 20th century. During the Great Patriotic War, there was a powerful wooden crossing over the Volga here, intended for tanks. Today, these gates serve as the ceremonial entrance to the city, and residents often gather here for city celebrations and concerts.

History of the Triumphal Gates

The first staircase on the slope of the embankment appeared in the early 20th century. Its wooden steps were built by steamboat companies for the convenience of passengers.

During the Battle of Stalingrad, the main crossing over the Volga was located here. In December 1942, a strong wooden crossing was constructed, through which tank columns delivered reinforcements to the Soviet army.

The modern central staircase with the gates was built after the war during the restoration of the embankment. The project was developed by the institute 'Lengiprortrans', and the authors were architects I.E. Fialko, V.N. Simbircev, and V.S. Makarenko.

Propylaea on the Central Embankment

The ceremonial nine-flight staircase is made of granite. Its width is 40 meters, and the 100 steps are divided into 8 platforms. The staircase is crowned by a colonnade of snow-white propylaea. It connects two terraces of the 62nd Army embankment. The upper terrace features the Victory Park with numerous alleys, while the lower one has an open concert venue and the Volgograd River Station, which is as long as Red Square in Moscow.

By design, the central staircase resembles the Potemkin Stairs in Odessa, and its appearance closely mimics the Moscow Gates in St. Petersburg. The propylaea are part of the central embankment of Volgograd and are considered the ceremonial entrance to the city.

Today, spectators gather on the central staircase during city celebrations and concerts, with the stage set up at the foot of the stairs. In the evenings, the gates are illuminated with lighting.