Makarova Embankment

Makarova Embankment is a granite-faced waterfront promenade along the Malaya Neva River in Vasileostrovsky District with a tall stone wall featuring decorative staircases and boat landings. The structure extends several kilometers, connecting different neighborhoods while serving as a working waterfront with historical character.

Construction began in 1806 when engineer Friedrich Gerard designed the fortification using granite blocks and wooden anchors to stabilize the riverbank. The site was renamed in 1952 to honor Admiral Stepan Makarov, a pioneering Russian naval scientist.

The location received its current name in 1952 to honor Stepan Osipovich Makarov, a Russian naval commander and scientific vice-admiral who contributed to maritime research.

The waterfront is best explored on foot, with stair descents providing rest points and access to water views at regular intervals. The area remains accessible throughout the year, though winter conditions can make some sections slippery.

Stone mooring posts with lion sculptures still stand at the water's edge at several points, their heads originally serving as practical tie-off points for boats. A rotating metal crane once sat on a granite pedestal nearby, a reminder of when this stretch bustled with ship traffic and cargo loading.