Bank Bridge

Have you ever seen a lion fly? On the Bank Bridge, they do. These aren’t ordinary lions, mind you. These are magnificent, winged creatures, guarding the Bank Bridge over the Griboedov Canal. The Bank Bridge, a small pedestrian bridge, gets its name from the Assignation Bank nearby. This bank, one of Russia’s first public banks, once stood proudly next to this very bridge. Today, the Saint Petersburg State University of Economics and Finance occupies this grand building. Constructed in 1826, the Bank Bridge is a suspension bridge. Its clever design conceals the bridge’s supports within the sculpted figures of the winged lions themselves. These striking lion sculptures are the work of Pavel Sokolov. He also crafted the lions for the Bridge of Lions and the sphinxes for the Egyptian Bridge, all here in St. Petersburg. These winged lions, each standing about 2.4 meters tall, are more than just decorations. They also serve as lampposts, their outstretched wings holding ornate, curved lamp brackets. The bridge itself is quite narrow, only 3.1 meters wide. The deck is made of wood, a material that has been replaced numerous times over the nearly two centuries of the bridge’s existence. The current cast-iron railings, with their intricate palm-frond design, are recreations of the originals, installed in 1952. Legend has it, rubbing a lion’s paw on the Bank Bridge brings great wealth. So, as you admire these majestic winged lions, consider giving their paws a gentle rub. Who knows, it might just bring you good fortune! The Bank Bridge, with its gilded winged lions, is more than just a bridge; it’s a symbol of St. Petersburg, a testament to the city’s rich history and artistic flair.