Cast-iron Arch

This cast-iron triumphal arch was erected at the same time as the buildings of Nicholas’s military alms-house, at the expense of the merchant Ivan Sorokin. The arch served as the main entrance to the territory of Izmailovo Island.

As well as most of the alms-house buildings, the arch was also designed by the architect K. A. Ton in honor of the victories of the Russian army and the valor of Russian soldiers.

And did you know that...

• according to the legend, the veterans who lived here helped to cast the arch.
• merchant Ivan Sorokin not only paid for the installation of the Cast-iron Arch and the fountain, but also for the food of 110 soldiers living in the alms-house. For this, the Emperor awarded him the 3rd-class Order of St. Anna.