Ioannovsky bridge (St. Petersburg): photo, description and history of an architectural monument

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

One of the most visited sights of the city on the Neva is the Peter and Paul Fortress. It is known to be located on an island. And there is only one way to get to it - through the Ioannovsky bridge. What is interesting about this monument of urban architecture? And when was it built?

How to get to the Ioannovsky bridge?

The Peter and Paul Fortress (the most valuable monument of defensive architecture of the 18th century) is located on Hare Island. Only two bridges connect it with the "mainland" (Petrogradsky Island). These are Kronverksky (in the western part) and Ioannovsky Bridge (in the eastern part).

It's easy to get to. This can be done by metro, getting off at the Gorkovskaya station and walking for about 5 minutes, by tram (No. 6 or No. 40) or by city bus (No. 46 or No. 134). Trams 2, 53 and 63 also take you to Troitskaya Square. And from there to the Ioannovsky bridge is within easy reach.

The bridge is not only an important architecturallandmark of the city. At any time of the year, there are a lot of wild ducks, gulls and pigeons, which tourists are happy to feed. And the views from the bridge are simply amazing!

St. John's Bridge in St. Petersburg: photo and description

The birth of the city is directly related to the foundation of the Peter and Paul Fortress in 1703. That's when the bridge came into existence. True, it was originally called Petrovsky.

Ioannovsky Bridge in St. Petersburg connects the fortress gates of the same name with Petrogradsky Island. At the same time, it crosses the Kronverksky Strait - one of the city's channels of the Neva. The bridge is an object of cultural heritage of Russia and is protected by the state.

Today the bridge is completely pedestrian. It is 10 meters wide and 152 meters long. On both sides it is decorated with beautiful lanterns (with figures of double-headed eagles and colorful hats) and patterned iron bars.

St. John's Bridge and the history of its creation

The hero of our article was destined to become the very first bridge of the "northern capital". It was opened back in 1703. Then the bridge rested on wooden beams and consisted of two adjustable parts, which were also made of wood. This design feature was no accident. The bridge was designed in such a way that it could be burned at any moment (in the event of an enemy attack).

At the end of the 19th century, the Ioannovsky Bridge was substantially rebuilt. Through arches under it were laid with stone. It was then that the bridge received its modern title.

The next major reconstruction of the bridge took place already in 1952. Then it was decorated with metal lanterns and a lattice decorative fence. In the early 2000s, the bridge underwent a major overhaul. In particular, the vault was strengthened, the arcades were lined and the footbridge was replaced. Works on the waterproofing of the structure were also carried out. After all these works, the restorers confidently declared that the bridge was protected from destruction for the next thirty years.

A touching monument by the bridge…

Passing along the Ioannovsky bridge, any tourist will certainly notice an unusual monument located near it. A small hare sits on one of the wooden piles. The height of the figurine is only 58 centimeters.

The sculpture has its own name. This is the "Monument to the bunny who escaped the flood." According to legend, the frightened animal jumped right on the royal boot of Peter the Great, so as not to die from the angry water element.

The figure of a hare was installed in the waters of the canal in 2003. The monument has no special architectural or historical value, but tourists and guests of the city love it very much. Each of them will definitely try to throw a coin on a tiny platform at the feet of a hare. Incredible luck awaits those who manage to do it!