Triumphal Arch of Moscow facts for kids
The Moscow Triumphal Gate is a famous triumphal arch in Moscow, Russia. It was built to remember Russia's big win over Napoleon in 1812. This gate is the oldest surviving triumphal arch in Moscow. It stands as a symbol of victory and strength.
The Moscow Triumphal Gate
A Symbol of Victory
The Moscow Triumphal Gate was first built between 1829 and 1834. It was designed by a famous architect named Joseph Bové. The gate was made to celebrate Russia's victory against Napoleon's army. This happened during the French invasion of Russia in 1812. Before this stone gate, there was an older wooden one. Veterans from the Napoleonic Wars built the wooden gate in 1814.
The gate was made from strong brick. It was covered with smooth ashlar stone. The tall columns and statues on the gate were made from cast iron. A special sculpture called a seiuga was on top. A seiuga is a chariot pulled by six horses. This artwork was created by Giovanni Vitali.
A Message of Hope
The gate had an important message carved into it. This message was written in two languages: Russian and Latin. It talked about the city of Moscow and its leader.
To the blessed memory of Alexander I who raised from ashes and adorned with many memorials of paternal care this former capital that had been committed to the mercy of fire during the invasion of the Gauls and twelve other nations.
This message honored Emperor Alexander I. It spoke about how Moscow was rebuilt after a big fire in 1812. The fire happened when Napoleon's army invaded. The message shows how the city recovered and became beautiful again.
Built and Rebuilt
In 1936, the original Moscow Triumphal Gate was taken down. This happened because Joseph Stalin was rebuilding downtown Moscow. The sculptures by Giovanni Vitali were saved. They were moved to a museum. This museum was at the old Donskoy Monastery.
After World War II, people wanted to rebuild the gate. There were plans to put it near the Belorussky railway station. But it was finally rebuilt in a different spot.
The gate you see today was built between 1966 and 1968. It was made using Joseph Bové's original designs. It stands in the middle of Kutuzovsky Avenue. This avenue is named after Marshall Mikhail Kutuzov. He led Russia to victory over Napoleon. The gate is also close to Victory Park. The open area around the gate is called Victory Square. It is a popular place to visit.
