56. Bridge of Kisses across the Moyka River 9.21.2014

Bridge of Kisses (Potseluev Bridge) across the Moyka River (with St. Isaac's Cathedral in the background) 9.21.2014

From Wikipedia:
The Bridge of Kisses (Поцелуев мост, Potseluev Bridge) crosses the Moyka River in alignment with Glinki Street in the Admiralteysky District of Saint Petersburg. The bridge's name has spurred numerous urban legends. The panoramic view of Saint Isaac's Cathedral that opens from the bridge makes it a popular subject of artists paintings.

During the first half of the 18th century, townspeople had set up a crossing across the Moyka river from improvised materials at the location of the modern bridge. In 1738 while the granite embankment of Moyka was being established, the wooden pedestrian bridge was built. It had a raising part to allow passage of mast ships. The wooden bridge was painted in different colours, and therefore was named Coloured Bridge. In 1768 the bridge was reconstructed to accommodate horse traffic. At this time the structure was changed to three-span bridge standing on stone supports. The bridge was named after merchant Potseluev who kept a tavern near the bridge.

At the beginning of the 19th century a bridge no longer met the increased traffic loads, and therefore in 1816 it was rebuilt. The new bridge was built to the design of architect William Heste as a single span arched bridge. Like Heste's other bridges, it was made from iron cast with granite facing. The entrance to the bridge features four granite obelisk with lanterns. The fence pattern repeats the one from the Moyka River embankments. The fence was made at the Petersburg iron factory. The first major renovation was made after heavy floods in 1824, which nearly destroyed the bridge.

Design: Arch Bridge
Total length: 41.5 meters
Width: 23.5 meters