Big iron gate

The Big Iron Gate is an entrance point between Palace Park and Zverinets Park in Gatchina, featuring detailed wrought iron elements throughout its structure. The design displays typical late 18th-century ironwork craftsmanship with decorative patterns and solid metal framing.

The gate was built in 1790 under architect Vincenzo Brenna during the expansion of Gatchina Palace as an imperial residence. It became part of the broader palace complex that housed Russian emperors and their families.

The gate connects two different park areas and visitors can clearly see where the formal palace grounds end and the wilder Zverinets Park begins. This physical separation reflects how the imperial estate was designed to offer both structured gardens and natural landscapes.

The gate is open from morning until evening and can be reached on foot from the main palace building. The visit works best when you have time to also explore the surrounding park areas on both sides.

The gate connects two parks with completely different characters and serves as a visible marker of how the imperial estate was divided into sections. Many visitors overlook how strikingly different the park landscapes feel on each side of it.

Location: Gatchina

Inception: 1790s

Part of: Gatchina Museum-Preserve

Opening Hours: 06:00-23:00

GPS coordinates: 59.57277,30.10485

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:27