“Make the gates like those of Narva”. That is what Peter I ordered. Today we stand before the Petrovskie ворота. They are a triumphal gate in Saint Petersburg’s Peter and Paul Fortress.
The Petrovskie ворота are located in the Peter’s curtain between Gosudarev and Menshikov Bastions. This monument shows Petrine Baroque style. It is a unique example of triumphal military architecture.
First, Petrovskie ворота had stone foundations and a wooden upper section. These were erected in 1708. They were fully rebuilt in stone between 1716 and 1717. The design was by Domenico Trezzini.
The gates feature decorations that stand out from the dark walls. Trezzini created a special design for them. In 1707 he was told to build gates similar to those in Narva.
When rebuilt in stone the west side was closed. This happened because the walls were widened to construct new facilities. The sculpture of the eagle was removed. Statues in niches were moved to the east side.
The height of the gates is about 16 meters. The arch’s length is 20 meters. The arch is decorated horizontally. It features complex cornices. Above it is a powerful attic. Two spiral volutes are placed on each side. The attic has a wooden carved panel. It shows the “Descent from the Cross”. The sculptor was Konrad Osner. This panel symbolizes Russia’s victories. Simon is associated with Charles XII of Sweden. Apostle Peter is associated with Peter I.
In August 1720 a Russian coat of arms was installed over the arch. It was made by Frantsuаа Vassu. The coat of arms needed frequent repairs. In 1723 artists Alexander Zakharov and Ivan Uvarov painted it black. They gilded the crowns and details. After the October Revolution the coat of arms was covered with shields.
Initially the gates featured a wooden sculpture. It depicted the Apostle Peter. There were also allegorical statues of Vera and Nadezhda. By the 1740s there were nine statues.
After the coat of arms was installed there was a proposal to replace the wooden figures with stone ones. Trezzini specified the order in August 1722. Vassu refused to work for the price offered. Rastrelli became interested. But the project did not get funding.
In April 1725 Trezzini asked to replace the damaged statues with wooden ones. These statues depicted military trophies. They were completed by 1730.
Above the arch is a bas-relief of the God Sabaoth. Statues stand in the niches. They symbolize wisdom and courage. Over the arch is a double-headed eagle. It symbolizes victory in the Northern War.
In 1941 the gates were damaged during the Siege of Leningrad. Restoration took place in 1951.
The Petrovskie ворота offer a glimpse into the past. They showcase the architectural styles and values of their time. They stand as a lasting tribute to Peter the Great.