Once upon a time, whispers of a ghost near the Malo-Kalinkin Bridge sent shivers down the spines of passersby. This spectral figure, rumored to be a clerk named Akaky Akakievich, forever searches for his stolen overcoat. But beyond ghost stories, this bridge has a rich history.
Hello everyone. We are standing before the Malo-Kalinkin Bridge. This bridge connects Kolomna Island and Pokrovsky Island. It spans the Griboyedov Canal. The Malo-Kalinkin Bridge has a story that stretches back centuries.
The name “Kalinkin” comes from a Finnish village named Kallina. This village existed here in the 17th century. Over time, the name evolved into Kalinkin. This gave the bridge its memorable name.
The first bridge here was built in 1783. This was during the granite facing of the Griboyedov Canal’s shores. Engineer I.N. Borisov designed the Malo-Kalinkin Bridge. He used a model project. You can see a similar design at Pikalov Bridge.
Initially, the Malo-Kalinkin Bridge had three spans. It featured stone abutments and a wooden superstructure. There was a central lift span. This allowed boats to pass through. Later, the lifting part was replaced with a fixed structure in the 19th century.
In 1907-1908, tram tracks were added. The Malo-Kalinkin Bridge was widened to 16.2 meters. Stone pillars were repaired. Additional piles were driven to support the bridge. The original wooden superstructure was replaced. A metal beam three-span continuous structure was installed.
Look at the bottom of the central span beams. Notice the concave shape. Cast iron counterweights help prevent lifting under load. The bridge also has an asphaltic concrete pavement.
The forged railing features a simple pattern. Granite obelisks with lanterns stand on intermediate supports. Architect A.L. Rotach restored them in 1952. In 1970, workers restored the gold-plated ends on the granite obelisks.
Major repairs took place in 2007. These repairs strengthened the foundations. The lamps and obelisks were also repaired. The roadway and tram tracks were restored.
Interestingly, the Malo-Kalinkin Bridge was a popular spot for fistfights in the 19th century. These brawls ended only when the horsed policemen arrived.
Today, the Malo-Kalinkin Bridge is protected. The Committee on State Control Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Landmarks safeguards it.
As you stand here, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. From its Finnish village origins to its ghostly legends, the Malo-Kalinkin Bridge is more than just a crossing. It is a landmark. It connects not just islands but also the past and present.