Makarova Embankment, Granite embankment in Vasileostrovsky District, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Makarova Embankment is a granite-faced waterfront promenade along the Malaya Neva River in the Vasileostrovsky District of Saint Petersburg, Russia. It features stone staircases descending to the water and old mooring points that once served river traffic.
The embankment was built in 1806 by engineer Friedrich Gerard, who used granite blocks and wooden anchors to stabilize the riverbank. It carried several different names over the years before being renamed in 1952 in honor of Admiral Makarov.
The embankment takes its name from Admiral Stepan Makarov, a naval officer known for his work on icebreakers and ocean research. A monument to him stands nearby, and locals often pass it during their walks along the river.
The embankment is best explored on foot, and the stone staircases give easy access to the water at several points. In winter, some sections can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
Stone mooring posts topped with lion sculptures still stand at several points along the water's edge, originally used to tie up boats. A cast-iron crane on a granite pedestal was once part of the working port activity along this stretch.
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