Narva Triumphal Arch

Saint Petersburg, Russia

The Narva Triumphal Arch was erected in the vast Narva Square (known as the Stachek Square in Soviet years), in 1814 to commemorate the Russian victory over Napoleon. The wooden structure was constructed on the Narva highway with the purpose of greeting the soldiers who were returning from abroad after their victory over Napoleon. The architect of the original Narva Arch was Giacomo Quarenghi. The program was meant to respond to theArc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris, originally erected to celebrate Napoleon's victory over the Allies at Austerlitz, but the material used was a weather-resistant plaster that was never intended to be permanent.

Between 1827 and 1834 Vasily Stasov redesigned and rebuilt the gate in stone. A similar gate, also by Stasov, was erected on the road leading to Moscow. A sculptor Vasily Demut-Malinovsky was responsible for the arch's sculptural decor. As has been conventional since Imperial Roman times, sculptures of Fame offering laurel wreaths fill the spandrels of the central arch. The mainentablature breaks boldly forward over paired Composite columns that flank the opening and support colossal sculptures. Nike, the Goddess of Victory surmounts the arch, in a triumphal car drawn by six horses, sculpted by Peter Clodt von Jürgensburg, instead of the traditional Quadriga.

Neither the arch nor the Russian Admiralty were protected from artillery bombardments during the Siege of Leningrad. A small military museum was opened in the upper part of the arch in 1989. At the beginning of 21st century the gate was capitally restored and according to experts, is in a fine condition as of August 2009.

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Founded: 1827-1834
Category: Statues in Russia

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4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Cazzal (4 months ago)
The Narva Triumphal Gates (Narvskiye Triumfal'nyye Vorota) are a prominent architectural monument located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. They commemorate Russia's military victories, particularly the victory over Napoleon during the War of 1812. ### Key Features 1. **Location**: The Narva Triumphal Gates are situated at the intersection of the Narva Square and the Narva Prospect, serving as a gateway into the city from the eastern side. They stand as a significant landmark at one of the main entrances to Saint Petersburg. 2. **Design and Architecture**: The gates were designed by the architect Vasily Stasov and were constructed between 1827 and 1834. The design is inspired by the ancient Roman triumphal arches, featuring a grand and monumental style. The gates are made of granite and are adorned with various decorative elements, including columns and sculptures. 3. **Symbolism**: The Narva Triumphal Gates symbolize Russia's military glory and commemorate the victories of the Russian army. The gates are surmounted by a chariot pulled by four horses (a representation of the Quadriga), which further emphasizes their triumphal nature. 4. **Historical Context**: The gates were built to honor the Russian military's success during the War of 1812, particularly the decisive battles that led to the defeat of Napoleon's forces. They serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and the nation's resilience. 5. **Cultural Significance**: Over the years, the Narva Triumphal Gates have become an iconic symbol of Saint Petersburg. They are often featured in photographs and are a popular site for both locals and tourists visiting the city. ### Visiting the Narva Triumphal Gates The Narva Triumphal Gates are easily accessible and are typically surrounded by parks and public spaces, making them a pleasant place to visit. The grandeur of the gates and their historical significance make them an important landmark in Saint Petersburg, reflecting the city's rich history and architectural heritage..
Bell Bell (Lost Raven) (11 months ago)
A very classical Arc de Triomphe where you can see traces of history, comparable to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
RAMPRASAD SRINIVASAN (6 years ago)
Yet another imposing monument built in USSR
Kelvin Wee (6 years ago)
Historical arc monument, great attention to detail on creating the details on the armour and even horses’ bottoms. Accessible via underground passage filled with stalls from Narvskaya metro station. There’s a museum in the arc but sadly didn’t manage to visit as it was closed - check the opening hours! You can have a meal from across the street - there’s some food stalls including Burger King and even supermarket.
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