Narvskaia Zastava (Narva Gate), St. Petersburg

This a striking structure, not only because of the shade of green it stands in but also because of its incongruity in an area made up of a good deal of 'Constructivist' architecture dating from the 1920s. Originally a makeshift arch erected to greet victorious Russian soldiers returning from their rout of Napoeon in 1812, it was only subsequently (from 1827-34) given its current form, crowned with its Victory Angel in full gallop on a six-horse chariot. Other angels and guards of honor, (supposedly granting passage through the arch to the heroes), stand nobly on different levels below. Though certainly less monolithic and impressive than the Victory Monument fairly nearby, as a mark of pre-Soviet military achievement Narva Arch has a unique place in the city.