Swan Canal, Canal near Summer Garden, Saint Petersburg, Russia
The Swan Canal is a waterway in Saint Petersburg that connects the Moyka and Neva Rivers. It runs through the city center and is crossed by stone bridges that shape the local landscape.
The waterway was created between 1711 and 1719 as part of a drainage system for the swampy areas of the growing city. A shallow river called the Lebedinka previously occupied this location before being transformed into the engineered canal.
The waterway is crossed by two stone bridges adorned with cast-iron decorations that define its character. These structures reflect the craftsmanship of their era and remain focal points for people walking through the area.
The waterway is easily reached on foot and can be viewed from several access points, especially near the Field of Mars and the Summer Garden grounds. The banks offer space for walking, though some sections may feel crowded, particularly at the bridge crossings.
The name comes from swans that settled here and gave the waterway its name, replacing the former title of Summer Garden Canal. These birds have become part of the local identity and draw many visitors who come to observe them.
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