Birch gate
Description:
Birch gates are located in Gatchina and date back to the 18th century. It's a unique piece of architecture. Construction lasted from 1795 to 1798. The author is Italian architect Vincenzo Brenna.
It consists of three parts. The structure looks like a vault. Two cordeguardia with a height of 8 meters have a rectangular shape and support the gate, at the top there are cornices with stone balusters. Their height is 12.7 meters. In the niches on the facade sides there are relief panels. The proportions are perfectly maintained. It is a monument of cultural and historical heritage, which is protected by the state. The gate has a ceremonial and solemn appearance.
Originally it was called the Gate at the birch house. It was built as an entrance to the Palace Park and an observation deck. Over time, changes were made to the project, and the cordeguardia began to be used as a warehouse for inventory.
Restored after the war, now presented as part of the museum complex Gatchina.
You can get to the Gatchina Palace by public transport to the stop “Cathedral” or “Palace”, by taxi or on foot.