Verkhny Lebyazhy Bridge, Stone bridge near Field of Mars, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Verkhny Lebyazhy Bridge is a stone crossing over Swan Canal that links Palace Embankment to the surrounding garden areas in central Saint Petersburg. The structure features a simple arched design with sturdy stone walls that frame the shallow waterway below.
This stone structure was built in 1768 to replace an earlier wooden bridge from the 1710s that spanned the shallow waterway. The shift from timber to stone reflected the broader transformation of Saint Petersburg into a permanent city of masonry.
The bridge takes its name from the swans that inhabit the canal, and the waterway remains a place where you can observe these birds gliding through the water. Locals and visitors often pause here to watch the wildlife that makes this corner of the city feel less urban.
The bridge is easily accessible via Palace Embankment and serves primarily as a pedestrian pathway between the different garden areas. Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the stonework and the view along the waterway, as the site has no nighttime facilities.
The northward view along the canal was captured in an 1839 artwork by Russian painter Ivan Belonogov, offering a rare glimpse of how the location appeared in the 19th century. This historical painting lets visitors see how the surroundings have evolved over the decades.
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