Do you see those imposing lions? They mark the Dvortsovaya pier. This pier is also called the Descent with Lions. It stands on the Admiralteyskaya embankment. Let’s delve into the history of this iconic spot.
The Dvortsovaya pier was constructed between 1820 and 1824. Architect Karl Rossi designed it. However, its original location differed from where we stand now. Initially, it was upstream on the Bolshaya Neva. Today, that location marks the entrance to the Palace Bridge.
In September 1832, copper sculptures of lions were installed. These lions are the most famous in St. Petersburg. They are exact copies of Florentine lions. Plaster casts from the originals served as models for their creation. The lions were made of sheet copper at the Alexandrovsky iron foundry. Master I. Prang crafted them. He used the model created by sculptor I.P. Prokofiev. Cast iron pedestals support the lions. Architect L. Charlemagne designed these pedestals.
Two porphyry vases were also installed at the lower slope to the Bolshaya Neva. The Swedish king gifted these to Nicholas I. Cast-iron pedestals supported the vases. The Alexandrovsky iron foundry also cast these. Charlemagne created their drawing as well.
The Dvortsovaya pier remained in this form until the third quarter of the 19th century. In 1873-1874, the vases were moved to Petrovsky Spusk. By 1875, a wide boulevard-esplanade with lawns and flower beds graced the Admiralteyskaya embankment.
In 1914, construction of the Palace Bridge began. The Palace Marina moved downstream to the Admiralty building. Engineer A.P. Pshenitsky oversaw the pier’s relocation. He also designed the Palace Bridge.
Later, the name “Palace Pier” shifted. It was given to the pier above the bridge. This pier is opposite the main entrance to the Hermitage.
Today, the Dvortsovaya pier on the Admiralteyskaya embankment is a hub of activity. Numerous pleasure boats depart from here. They travel along the Neva, rivers, and canals. From here, you can journey to Peterhof and Kronstadt on a “Meteora.”
So, as you stand here, remember the journey of the Dvortsovaya pier. Its history is etched in every stone and sculpture. The lions stand as silent witnesses to the city’s ever-evolving story. They continue to guard the Neva’s edge with regal poise.