Marvelous isn’t it? The Teatralny Bridge.
This isn’t just any bridge. It’s part of a stunning trio. These bridges grace the spot where the Griboedov Canal flows into the Moika River. This location is near Konyushennaya Ploshchad and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The Teatralny Bridge gets its name from the Free Russian Theatre. This theatre stood nearby in the late 1700s.
Imagine the original bridge. It was a simple wooden structure. It was one of two. Both were lift bridges. They facilitated the canal’s access to the river. One bridge spanned the Griboedov Canal. The other crossed the Moyka River. The Teatralny Bridge was named for the theatre on the Field of Mars. The other bridge was called Malo-Konyushenny Bridge. It was named for the nearby stables. These two bridges were known informally as the Triple Bridge. A third span connected them.
Then came the 1820s. Engineers Adam and Tretter were commissioned. They were tasked with replacing the old wooden bridges. They designed the beautiful cast-iron bridges we see today. They are single-span arches. They are joined at a central support. This three-span arrangement is unique in Saint Petersburg. There was a disagreement between Adam and Tretter. Adam wanted different designs for the two bridges. Tretter insisted on a unified design. Some believe Rossi himself designed the bridges as early as 1824.
The cast iron arches were innovative. They were prefabricated boxes fastened with bolts. The bridge faces featured intricate relief ornaments. Behind the arches are simple brick back fillings. The roadway uses cobblestones. The bridge rests on massive stone abutments. They sit on pile foundations faced with granite. All three bridges share a unique cast-iron grating pattern. This pattern features darts and jellyfish heads.
The original lampposts were quite high. Lamplighters frequently fell from them. Governor-General Essen intervened. He requested the General Directorate of Railways lower the lampposts. The request was granted.
Later repairs changed the bridge. In 1936 diabase replaced the cobblestones. The sidewalks became asphalt. High curbs now separate the walkways. Further restoration in 1952-1953 brought back many of the original decorative elements. This included lamps lanterns and railing gratings.
Today vehicle traffic is prohibited. Pedestrians enjoy the beauty. The Teatralny Bridge and the Malo-Konyushenny Bridge are protected monuments. They’re popular photo spots for newlyweds. A charming local custom exists. The groom must carry his bride across the Malo-Konyushenny Bridge. This charming tradition continues to this day. The Teatralny Bridge is a testament to ingenuity. It is also a symbol of Saint Petersburg’s enduring spirit.