Sylvia Gate - one of the most remarkable buildings of the Palace Park. It is distinguished by the structural clarity, poetry and poise. Construction gate belongs to the 1792-1794 biennium. Author Sylvia gate - the architect V. Brenna, construction was carried out under the direction of the gate K. Plastinina.

Sylvia gates - it is like an invitation to Sylvia. Working on the project gate Sylvia, Brenna, probably came from the fact that it was not a triumphal parade-building unlike birch Admiralty gate or portal "Mask", and the gates, opening the entrance to the mysterious depths of the forest - "Sylvia." Consequently, these reasons the architect was chosen composition, scale, interpretation of sculptural and architectural decorations.

In this gate used to build the well-known classic when pylons flank the arch travel with keystone and low-mascaron Archivolt. Pylons communicate with each other smooth entablature above them are profiled cornice. The triangular pediment with a profiled frame establishes the composition. However, choosing the classic compositional scheme, Brenna made in this building its details and nuances, which determined its originality.

At Sylvia gate no architrave frieze and dedicated. Pediment in this regard seems as if wearing the top that attaches to the gate and massive stockiness. Door width is 7, 3 m, height to the top of the gable - 7, 6 m. This aspect ratio, practically corresponding to the square, it gives the impression of steadiness and strength.

Generality of architectural forms Sylvia gate match finely adjusted items decorative and compositional study. The front side of the pylons from the cap, stands out the broad framework of straight lines. Top of the arch, respectively recesses at the corners of the pylons, edge double profiled strip, the ends, like brushes, hang on the sides of the arch span. This artistic technique gives Sylvia gate similar to the frame with beautiful paintings etched on it the scenery. This impression is further enhanced when you look at the gate from the Palace Park as seen from this copper plate, which is mounted in the tympanum of the pediment. It is engraved with the inscription "Sylvia", which from a distance looks like a label with the name in the frame of the picture.

The gate is decorated with high relief mask depicting mythological forest resident Silvana. It is both a capstone, which marks the middle of the bend archivolt and familiar symbol of the Gatchina Palace Park. With extraordinary skill and feeling the material master widely reproduced bony face with a low forehead, over which hang heavy curls of thick hair, oddly spaced eyes, tightly compressed lips, and small curly beard. Unknown sculptor put this element of the decor lively imagery and spirituality. Surprisingly, and the expression of that mysterious face forest inhabitant - detached and focused. The fixed gaze that looks as if through time and space. Gatchinsky Sylvan Forest Spirit - one of the unique works of decorative sculpture suburbs of St. Petersburg.

Architecture Sylvia gate harmonizes perfectly with the stone wall of the park, built of blocks of rectangular shape and finished serving like cornices, flagstones. As in other buildings of the Gatchina park, it reinforces the impression of texture pudostskogo stone and rhythmic pattern of horizontal and vertical masonry joints.

Sylvia gates, which are arranged in the middle of a stone wall, and are at the same time "window", and the key compositions from their opening three perspectives Receding fan alleys. Right outputs to the poultry houses in the depths of the park, the average - to the farm, the left - to the Black Gate.