A hare escaping a flood. That’s what the little bronze sculpture near the Ioannovsky Bridge seems to depict. This isn’t just any bridge. This is Saint Petersburg’s first bridge.
The Ioannovsky Bridge connects Zayachy Island and the Peter and Paul Fortress to the Petrograd Side. It wasn’t always this elegant cast iron structure. It began life in 1703 as a simple floating bridge. A far cry from the sturdy bridge we see today.
Over the centuries this bridge endured countless reconstructions. Imagine the countless workers who toiled on this vital link. Think of the changes it’s witnessed. From wooden planks to metal beams. From simple wooden railings to the ornate cast iron we see today.
Initially named Petrovsky Bridge its name changed in 1887. The name shift comes from an earlier wooden bridge. This bridge spanned a moat near the Ioannovsky ravelin. This was named after Tsar Peter the Great’s brother.
The bridge’s evolution is fascinating. In 1706 a wooden bridge replaced the floating one. It had a central lifting section. Ingenious for the time. The bridge was rebuilt again in 1738 boasting 16 spans. A major undertaking. In 1801-1802 it saw another transformation. This time with an eight-span truss system. A single-leaf lifting section was operated by manual winches.
By 1934 only fragments of the original stone arches remained. Time and the Neva River’s sediment took their toll. But the Ioannovsky Bridge persevered. The next major renovation was in 1950-1951. Seven spans were covered by metal beams. The bridge’s supports were repaired. New timber decking was laid for the roadway and sidewalks.
Finally in 1953 architect A.L. Rotach finalized the design. The current elegant cast iron railings were installed. The lamps you see were inspired by those at the entrance to the Tuchkov Bridge. They complete the bridge’s current aesthetic. The Ioannovsky Bridge truly is a testament to enduring strength. It’s a symbol of Saint Petersburg’s history and resilience. It stands as a link between the past and the present. A quiet witness to centuries of life on the Neva.