Do you want to take a walk around the legendary St. Petersburg without leaving your home? Then join us. Together today we will visit the most interesting corner of the Northern capital, we will see the Peter Gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress on Zayachy Island. This is the most visited place in the city by tourists. The unique structure today has become a real reserve, which tells us about the past era. You need to visit here at least once to appreciate her beauty and power. Today it is one of the few ancient monuments that have survived to us unchanged. Peter's Gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress escorts tourists to a unique museum of the history of St. Petersburg.
The journey begins
It’s impossible to get to know Peter without being here. This is not just a page of history, but a symbol of the city. Today we’ll talk not only about the Peter Gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress, but also take a look inside it. We immediately warn tourists that a walk along Hare Island is free. But do not forget to take cash with you, because there are still plenty of places here, the entrance to which requires the purchase of tickets.
So, in front of you see the Peter Gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress. The path to them lies through the John Bridge. This is a legendary object that deserves to be given a certain time. It was built on the site of the first Petersburg crossing. Just imagine, for several centuries he adorns this place. True, the bridge has undergone some changes. The very first design was adjustable, wooden. So it was conceived with the expectation that in the event of an attack by a doctor, it can easily be set on fire and cut off the path to the fortress.
However, a little later, the design was slightly changed. Beautiful arches were built on both sides. As a result of such upgrades, the bridge has become much longer and wider. After this, the bridge survived many more changes. But the most significant changes have already occurred in the XX century. The bridge has become a pedestrian. Today it is also a walking pavement with beautiful lanterns and fences.
You are greeted by a monument to the hare
Before you rise the Peter Gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress. A memory photo must be taken to show this beauty to all friends and acquaintances. But let's wait a little longer and look to the left. There, on stilts, sits a small bunny. There is nothing special in the statue itself, but there is a beautiful legend that tourists like to tell. According to her, Peter 1 at this place picked up a tiny hare, who, fleeing the flood, himself jumped into his hands. Now this is the eared mascot of the fortress. They say that if you throw a coin to him and make a wish, it will come true.
A unique monument of Russian architecture
Before us is the Peter Gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress. Describing them can take a very long time, but today we have to be very brief. They were built back in 1708. For several centuries, a unique work of art surprises with its impressive appearance. This is not the work of one master, thousands of people worked on the creation of the masterpiece, each of whom contributed. However, the founding father of a large-scale project called Petrovsky Gates of the Peter and Paul Fortress is the architect Dominico Trezzini. The wooden carved panel gives them special beauty. It was created by an outstanding sculptor and carved craftsman Conrad Osner. The panel is a symbol of victory in the war of 1700-1721. It was this event that became the starting point of the birth of the Russian Empire.
The main entrance to the fortress
Do not deny yourself the pleasure of making such an excursion. Here is the unique Peter Gate, the Arc de Triomphe of the city’s Peter and Paul Fortress. This is the only monument of its kind that has survived from the time of Peter I. The famous architect, who gave this miracle to the world, created a classic front gate model for those times. An arched entrance to the fortress was made in the lower tier, and the upper part played an exclusively decorative role.
Petra's creation
Perhaps the gate would have remained a beautiful arch, if not for the specific trend of the time. The symbolic reflection of Peter's deeds must have been sealed and preserved for posterity. If you are interested in statues and bas-reliefs, then be sure to come and see the Peter Gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress. The sculptures adorning this monument are admirable. Stock up on free time to consider everything properly.
A carved panel in the center of a high, semicircular pediment depicts the scene "The overthrow of Simon by the Apostle Peter." In this case, the defeated is most likely Charles XII, and the winner is the king himself. Get ready to be surprised further. There is a real mixture of eras, because on both sides of the passage are two statues of Athena. The ancient Greek goddess Athena Pallas in armor on the right side, Polyada (city governor) with a mirror and a snake on the left side. All this composition means that the city is under reliable protection.
General impression
When you first see this grandiose structure, you feel an involuntary reverence for the skill of its creators. They are made in the elaborate, lush baroque style. The surface of the facade wall is rusted. Due to this, it still retains its relief, despite the centuries passing by. The wall of the first tier is cut through by deep niches. Allegorical sculptures are installed in them. The theme is war and wisdom. Then everyone can finish the row on their own. All sculptures are made in plaster technique. The second tier of the gate is decorated with volutes and a bow pediment. It is simply amazing that such beauty was created as the gate of a military fortress. True, she never had to withstand the siege.
Symbol of Russia
Since 1720, it was decided to crown the arch of the gate with a coat of arms, in the shape of a double-headed eagle. It was made of lead, the great sculptor Francois Vassoux. A year later, changes were made to the composition. The huge building, weighing more than one and a half tons, was painted and gilded by masters Alexander Zakharov and Ivan Uvarov.
The creation of this sculpture also has its own history. According to legend, the king himself determined the place where the gates are today. He cut down two young birches and installed them in the form of an arch, indicating the place where the entrance to the fortress will be. At this time, the sound of wings was heard, and Peter and his associates saw a soaring eagle. He sat on the created arch, which was taken as a good omen. Holding the bird in his arms, the king went through the birch arch and boarded the ship.
Image of an eagle
It is familiar to every Russian from childhood, but on the gate is made especially colorful. The bird's figure, crowned with royal regalia, is painted so masterfully that today it is very beautiful. Especially careful is the decoration of the red shield placed on the chest of the eagle. It has a very symbolic painting, George the Victorious, who defeats the snake. In its choice, Russia was not original, it simply borrowed its coat of arms from Byzantium. This demonstrates the continuity of tradition.
Restoration
Unfortunately, time takes its toll. Towards the end of the 17th century, signs of destruction became visible. To stop them, repairs were carried out from time to time. The gates were covered with lime, and after that with plaster. The layer thickness reached 15 cm by our time. And since interest in ancient monuments was only growing, it was decided to return the beauty and grandeur that distinguish the Peter Gate in the Peter and Paul Fortress. Restoration began in 1951, after a unique, historic site was damaged by military bombardment. The architects A. A. Kedrinsky and A. L. Rotach took up the matter. As a result, we saw an almost exact copy of that version of the gate that was created several centuries ago. In the spring of 2008, minor repairs were carried out in the fortress, which were supportive in nature.
Excursions
If you are interested in the history of your native country, then you must definitely choose the time and take a tour with the whole family. Peter's gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress for children will be no less interesting than for adults. However, so that the trip was also informative, it is advisable to use the services of an experienced guide. The stories about the era of the reign of Peter I are so exciting, especially here, in front of the unique fortress created during his lifetime. However, the tour does not end at the inspection of the Arc de Triomphe.
Ahead is a magnificent museum, which through the pages will tell you the history of a great state. The Peter and Paul Fortress is an interesting monument in itself. Boys with great interest will examine her bastions, as well as guns. The cannon shooting at noon is located in the Naryshkin bastion. At the foot of the fortress are several large guns. And girls who are not very interested in trophies can visit the Cathedral or one of the exhibitions in the museum that are constantly changing.