Egyptian Gates in Tsarskoe Selo

The Egyptian Gates are a monumental gate in Pushkin consisting of two stone guard towers shaped like Egyptian pylons and covered with cast iron plates. The structure sits at the intersection of Palace Street, October Boulevard, and Petersburg Highway, marking the entrance to the town from Saint Petersburg.

Emperor Nicholas I approved the construction project in 1826, leading to completion in 1830 under architect Adam Menelaus's direction. The project emerged as part of Tsarskoe Selo's redevelopment and reflects the European fascination with Egyptian motifs during that era.

The gates display 37 cast iron relief scenes from Egyptian mythology, including stories of Osiris and Isis on their outer walls. These depictions turn the structure into an unusual artwork that combines European architecture with Oriental imagery.

The gates are easily accessible on the main street and form a natural arrival point for visitors coming from Saint Petersburg. It is best to visit on clear days to fully see the details of the cast iron reliefs.

One of the two guard towers served as living quarters for a watchman until 1985, with no running water in the structure. This daily use of what appears as an artistic monument shows the practical role the building fulfilled for decades.