Petrovskie Gate

Categories / Architecture/Architectural Monuments/Fortresses and Forts
PETROVSKIE GATE, the front gates of the St. Peter and Paul Fortress, in the Petrovskaya curtain between Gosudarev and Menshikov bastions, from the side of the Gorodskoy Island. The only preserved example of triumphal construction from the Petrine Baroque. Constructed originally from stone (1708) and featuring carved wooden decor, the Petrovskie Gate was rebuilt in 1716-17 (architect D. Trezzini). It consists of a single-span arch, crowned with a mighty attic with a semicircular bow-shaped pediment, the Russian Coat of Arms - a double-headed eagle (lead, master F. Vassout) was placed, on its side there are "brushed" statues, allegories of Caution and Firmness, adorning the bays. The attic features the wooden carved panel The Overthrow of Simon the Wise (sculptor K. Osner, transferred from the gate in 1708), symbolising Russian victories in the Great Northern War of 1700-1721. The pediment boasts a high relief of Lord of Sabaoth. The allegoric sculptural decor comprised seven other statutes, from which the central was the figure of the Apostle Peter with the keys (not preserved). In 1941, Petrovskie Gate was damaged in the result of the bombardment, in 1951 it was restored (architects A.A. Kedrinsky, A.L. Rotach).

References: Воинов В. С. Загадка аллегории Петра I // Петерб. чтения. 1992. № 1. С. 156-181. См. также лит. при ст. Петропавловская крепость.

M. N. Mikishatiev. Kedrinsky Alexander Alexandrovich
Osner Konrad
Rotach Alexander Lukich
Trezzini Domenico
Vassout Francois
Воинов В. С. Загадка аллегории Петра I // Петерб. чтения, 1992 St. Peter and Paul fortress
St. Peter and Paul fortress
1708