The triumphal arch in Blagoveshchensk is the reconstruction of a historical arch, set in 1891 in honor of the future heir to the throne Nicholas II, who visited the city on his way from Japan to St. Petersburg. Unlike other cities on the way of the crown prince, only Blagoveshchensk, prosperous due to the gold mining, could afford to erect a 20-meter stone arch with two turrets.
The Triumphal Arch was installed on the bank of the Amur River where the townspeople greeted the distinguished guest. It was hollow inside: the architect foresaw a staircase along which they rose to light the icon-lamps of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Worker from the side of the Amur River, and of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the side of the city. In 1928 the arch was seriously damaged in the flood, and in 1936 it was demolished. In 2005 the historical monument was restored at its former place thanks to the private donations. The arch completely copies the original thanks to archival photographs, but instead of the icon of St. Nicholas the icon of Tsar Nicholas II was installed.