Cronwork Bridge

Cronwork Bridge is a stone structure spanning the Kronverksky Strait with seven arches that connect Petrograd Island to Hare Island. It provides direct passage to the Peter and Paul Fortress through the main entry gate.

The bridge was built between 1703 and 1706 during Peter the Great's plans to establish Saint Petersburg as the new capital. It was constructed to secure access to the newly fortified islands.

The bridge shapes how the city looks and functions as a daily passage for residents and visitors crossing between two major areas. It demonstrates the importance of island connections in how people move through Saint Petersburg.

The bridge is located on the north side of the city center and can be crossed on foot or by vehicle. Access is straightforward, though it gets crowded during summer months when many visitors come to the fortress.

The name derives from the military term 'Kronwerk,' which refers to a specific type of fortification design. This naming reflects how closely the bridge is tied to the defensive structures that protected the early city.