Memorial arch in Mogilev was built in 1780 by the arrival of the Empress Catherine II. Through this archway the Empress entered the city.

In 1780 in Mogilev was to be held the meeting of two powerful monarchs of Europe: the Austrian Emperor Joseph II and the Russian Empress Catherine II. Here, the princes agreed to meet to decide important political tasks.

Despite the fact that the talks were informal, the news of the arrival of such important people quickly scattered across the state. This meeting decided the fate of the Commonwealth. The city of Mogilev as struggled to arrange a formal meeting, which would be flattered capricious and powerful Queen. Gala reception and specially constructed arch flattered the vanity of samoderzhitsy and softened her heart. The meeting of two ancient Royal friends and allies took place, and all necessary preparations for the important for the country events were specified.

The monarchs agreed that the memory of this meeting, each one will build on the Cathedral: the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in the city and the St. Catherine's Cathedral in Vienna. St. Joseph's Cathedral it was decided to build on the Central square, which was renamed Cathedral. The triumphal arch was located opposite the entrance to the Cathedral. Unfortunately, St. Joseph's Cathedral has survived – he was blown up by the Bolsheviks in 1938.

After the great Patriotic war, the Soviet government decided to restore the arc de Triomphe in Mogilev in his own way. After the restoration of the arch appeared reliefs Stalin (after the dethronement of a cult of personality they covered him with a hammer and sickle) and Lenin, the emblem of the USSR, and later, in the 1960-ies was founded the archway, on a brick wall marble memorial plaques with the names of victims of the red army that liberated Mogilev from Nazi occupation.

During its existence the arch three times changed its name: Glory Arch, the arc de Triomphe and Memorial arch (in our days).