Description of the attraction
The link between the Central District of St. Petersburg and the 2nd Admiralteisky and Kazansky Islands is the Green Bridge across the Moika River, which is an object of cultural heritage of our country.
In 1710 a new road was built on the left bank of the Neva. Nowadays, it is nothing more than Nevsky Prospect. At the point of its intersection with the Moika, in the 20s of the 18th century (approximately in 1717-1718) a new wooden drawbridge was erected. From 1703 to 1726, the border of St. Petersburg passed along it. Here, a tax was charged for travel from visitors. Near the bridge, for the convenience of travelers and employees, Mytny and Gostiny Dvors were built.
In the 30s of the 18th century, the bridge was painted green. Since then, the name "Green" has been assigned to it. Around 1767-1769. because of the nearby police headquarters of the city, the bridge was called the Policeman.
In the years of the October Revolution, the Police Bridge was renamed in the spirit of modern times to "Narodny". He wore this name from 1918 to 1998.
The Green Bridge has been repaired, restored and rebuilt several times. In 1777, stone supports appeared at the bridge, it became a girder, three-span. At the beginning of the 19th century (from 1806 to 1808), according to the project of the architect William Guest with the participation of F. P. de Volan, the construction of the first cast-iron bridge in St. Petersburg was going on in place of the wooden bridge that had been dismantled. The bridge design developed by the Englishman R. Fulton in 1795 was chosen as the basis. Above the new bridge appeared a span with a type-setting flat block vault. The walls of each of the blocks had holes for connecting bolts. Pile grillages were installed at the base of the bridge pillars. The railings of the bridge were cast. Obelisks of granite stone with gilded tops served as decoration. The sidewalk is paved with granite slabs. The pedestrian part was separated from the roadway by a fence made of granite stones and metal rods.
The use of cast iron molding made it possible to give a refined and sophisticated look to the arch. The bridge visually seemed much lighter than its granite counterparts. Its appearance was delicate and weightless.
The Green Bridge project was so effective and economical that it was subsequently used as a standard one. This was the world's first typical metal bridge design.
In the middle of the 19th century, the Police Bridge could no longer cope with the increased flow of riders and pedestrians. Therefore, it became necessary to expand it. During the reconstruction, the pedestrian zone was moved to the side metal consoles. Instead of cast gratings, solid granite fences were installed. The granite obelisks were dismantled, and in their place were installed lampposts made of cast iron, made according to a sketch by engineer A. Gotman.
In 1844, the Police Bridge was covered with asphalt blocks. It was the first paved pavement in the Russian Empire.
When in 1904-1907 work began on laying tram lines on Nevsky Prospekt, it became necessary to increase the width of the bridge again. The project for this reconstruction was developed by the architect L. A. Ilyin. 10 rows of box arches were installed on the sides of the bridge and the piers were extended. The facade is decorated with ornaments with gilded details. The lampposts were replaced with more durable and practical iron ones. The project was carried out by engineers A. L. Stanov, V. A. Bers, A. P. Pshenitsky.
In 1938, roofing material was laid under the tram tracks, the road and sidewalks were asphalted. In 1962-1967, the candelabra and lanterns on the bridge were restored.
The Green Bridge is located at the intersection of the city's historic routes. Nevsky Prospekt passes through it, the house of Kotomin is nearby, where in 1800-1840 the confectionery of Wolf and Beranger was located, where A. S. Pushkin. Opposite this building was Chicherin's house. For a long time there was a cinema "Barricade" in it, which worked even during the blockade. This is one of the oldest buildings on Nevsky. In 2006, it was announced about its reconstruction, but a year later it turned out that the house was almost completely destroyed. Not far from the bridge are the Stroganov Palace, the Razumovsky Palace, the apartment building and the Ruadze meeting room, the General Staff building.
