Kissing bridge

One of the most romantic sights of Petersburg

If you are looking for a romantic place, this is the one. Kissing bridge, or as it is called in Russian “Potseluev most” is among the most charming sights of Saint Petersburg.

The bridge crosses the Moyka river if moving along Glinka Street. Speaking of the origin of its name, there have been many rumors and talks. One of them suggests that back in time when that location was the city borders the bridge served as a place of farewell. Another version is less romantic: the name of the bridge comes from a close-by house of a merchant Potseluev. A nearby tavern was called “Potselui” (English: the Kiss), thus a bridge was named alike.

Historical overview

The first crossing was placed there already in the beginning of the 18th century by citizens themselves. A wooden raising bridge was built there in 1738 when the Moyka river shores were covered by granite. It was a pedestrian bridge of different colours. Thereby, it was called – Tsvetnoy (English: Colourful).

 

Thirty years later, in 1768 the crossing was rebuilt. Instead a one-span bridge on stone pillars appeared there. In 1788 the bridge got its current name cause of close-by situated tavern of a merchant Nikifor Potseluev. 

Over time the crossing got decayed, and in 1816 it was restored under the supervision of Vasily Geste. This architect also designed Aleksandrovsky, Red and Green bridges. Kissing bridge was made of cast-iron and decorated with four granite obelisks with lanterns and cast-iron railing that has stayed up till now. 

During a severe flood of 1824, the bridge moved and was damaged a lot. In 1907-1908 it was again rebuilt according to the project of Andrey Pshenitsky. It was 41,5 m long and 23,5 m wide. 

For almost 100 years from 1909 to 2006 there was a tram line over the bridge.

Nowadays, the Kissing bridge is a true monument of cast-iron bridge building industry. It is situated close to the New Holland Island, Yusupov Palace, Grand Choral Synagogue and Mariinsky Theatre, that you can learn more of during a walking tour around Saint Petersburg.

Read also

Egyptian bridge in Saint Petersburg
Egyptian bridge
The Egyptian bridge was initially chained, and built in 1825-1826…
Bank Bridge in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Bank bridge
The Bank bridge is a beautiful pedestrian bridge that is…
Anichkov bridge in St Petersburg (panorama view)
Anichkov Bridge
One of the first and the most popular bridges in…

Information About the Excursion


Schedule

Open all year round


Public Transport

Address
Potseluev Most
Metro / Subway
Spasskaya, Admiralteyskaya
Buses

Mariinsky Theatre

6, 22, 71
Marshrutkas (minibuses)
Mariinsky TheatreK-1, K-169, K-306, K-6K

 


Tours

Kissing bridge is a part of my private tour:

Also, you can customize a tour or book an inside excursion to one of the close-by attractions.


Share

Please Leave your review