English Embankment, Waterfront promenade and street in Saint Petersburg, Russia
The English Embankment runs for 1260 meters along the left bank of the Neva River, connecting Senate Square to the New Admiralty Canal. Classical buildings line the walkway, creating a wide and accessible passage for pedestrians along the water.
Construction started in 1763 with wooden fortifications, followed by stone embankments in the 1770s under architect Y.M. Felten and engineer A.A. Betancourt. This gradual expansion made it a major route through the city.
The street takes its name from the British Embassy and English church at number 56, designed by Giacomo Quarenghi between 1814 and 1815. This heritage remains visible in the architecture and character of the waterfront today.
The best time to visit is spring through autumn when weather is mild and the waterfront is active. The embankment is easy to walk, with flat paths and good access from nearby areas.
A shot from the battleship Aurora was fired from this location during the night of October 25-26, 1917, signaling the start of the Winter Palace assault. This event remains a pivotal moment in modern Russian history.
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