The bridge's metal span structures were fabricated in Warsaw, which was part of the Russian Empire at the time of construction.
It is often nicknamed the 'Peter the Great Bridge' after the nearby city district.
Local legend claims one of the rivets on the bridge is made of solid gold, though this is widely considered a myth.
The bridge was the subject of a long-standing competition between architects and engineers who disagreed on whether the design should be purely functional or decorative.
The towers on the bridge were designed to mimic the appearance of medieval defensive forts.
The Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge is a steel, three-span drawbridge crossing the Neva River in Saint Petersburg. Designed by engineers G.G. Krivoshein and V.P. Apyshkov, the bridge was completed in 1911 and features a distinct architectural style combining Neoclassicism with industrial metalwork. It is characterized by its two granite-faced towers, which resemble castle turrets and originally served to house the mechanisms for the drawbridge spans. The central section is a bascule bridge that lifts to allow maritime traffic to pass along the river. As of July 2026, the bridge remains fully operational and serves as a vital connection between the Krasnogvardeysky and Smolny districts. Its decorative elements include intricate cast-iron railings and portal-like towers that highlight the technical engineering of the early 20th century.
From the Malookhtinskaya Embankment looking back toward the center of the bridge.
Visit during the White Nights season to see the bridge illuminated against the twilight sky.
Observe the bridge from the riverbanks rather than the roadway to appreciate the full scale of the granite towers.
Stay alert for the bridge opening schedule during the navigation season if crossing by foot or car.
Attempting to walk across the bridge during the moments when the drawbridge spans are actively lifting or lowering.
The drawbridge spans operate during the navigation season (typically spring through late autumn); crossing is restricted when the bridge is raised.
