In 1714-1716, the first wooden gates and a pier were built here. In the early 1720s, the gates were rebuilt in stone by the architect Domenico Trezzini.

Then, in 1731-1732, another reconstruction was carried out. This project has been preserved in the modern appearance of the gates on the side facing the Peter and Paul Cathedral: a four-meter arch with a keystone is flanked by pilasters and crowned with a triangular pediment. The pediment is decorated with a relief composition depicting a shield, a banner, and military armor.

In 1746, another reconstruction of the gates was carried out and they were faced with Pudost stone.

In 1762-1767, the architect D. Smolyaninov and engineer N. Muravyov developed a project for a granite pier to replace the wooden one. The project was only realized in 1777 due to the facing of the fortress walls, when engineer R. T. Tomilov built a ceremonial three-arch granite pier with parapets, ice cutters and a platform with three staircases leading down to the water.

In 1780, architect Nikolai Lvov was asked to create a new project for the Nevsky Gate. The new gates were built according to this project in 1784-1787, and have survived to this day in this form. The height of the new gates was 12 m, the width was 12.2 m. They rest on a plinth almost a meter high. To the right and left of the arch are twin columns of the Tuscan order with diamond rustication, supporting a triangular pediment. The plinth, columns and pediment are made of polished silver-white Serdobol granite. The pediment is decorated with a relief image of an anchor with crossed palm branches and a fluttering ribbon (an unknown sculptor based on a drawing by Lvov, alabaster). Two bombs with tongues of flame are installed on the edges of the pediment.

The first wooden gates and a pier were built here in 1714-1716. In the early 1720s, the gates were rebuilt in stone by the architect Domenico Trezzini.

Then, in 1731-1732, another reconstruction was carried out. This project has been preserved in the modern appearance of the gates on the side facing the Peter and Paul Cathedral: a four-meter arch with a keystone flanked by pilasters crowned with a triangular pediment. The pediment is decorated with a relief composition depicting a shield, a banner and military armor.

In 1746, another reconstruction of the gate was carried out and its cladding with pudost stone.

In 1762-1767, the architect D. Smolyaninov and engineer N. Muravyov developed a project for a granite pier to replace the wooden one. The project was only implemented in 1777 due to the cladding of the fortress walls, when engineer R. T. Tomilov built a ceremonial three-arch granite pier with parapets, ice cutters and a platform with three staircases leading down to the water.

In 1780, the architect Nikolai Lvov was asked to create a new project for the Nevsky Gate. The new gates were built according to this project in 1784-1787, and in this form they have survived to this day. The height of the new gates was 12 m, the width - 12.2 m. They rest on a plinth almost a meter high. To the right and left of the arch are twin columns of the Tuscan order with diamond rustication, supporting a triangular pediment. The base, columns and pediment are made of polished silver-white Serdobol granite. The pediment is decorated with a relief image of an anchor with crossed palm branches and a fluttering ribbon (unknown sculptor based on a drawing by Lvov, alabaster). Two bombs with tongues of flame are installed on the edges of the pediment.