Lomonosov Bridge crosses the Fontanka River in St Petersburg, near Lomonosova Square. Built in stone between 1785 and 1787 to a design by French architect Jean-Rodolphe Perronet, it keeps the four corner towers that once housed the drawbridge mechanism. Look for their domed tops and the decorative obelisks and lamps added in the early 20th century. The bridge is a quieter stop than some nearby landmarks, with views along the river and toward the blue domes of Trinity Izmailovsky Cathedral.
A stone crossing on the Fontanka
Lomonosov Bridge was built between 1785 and 1787, replacing an earlier wooden crossing. French architect Jean-Rodolphe Perronet designed the stone bridge. It was originally known as Catherine Bridge and later as Chernyshev Bridge, after Count Grigory Chernyshev. Its current name honours scientist and writer Mikhail Lomonosov; the change took place in 1948.
The bridge is about 63 metres long and nearly 15 metres wide. It carries pedestrians and vehicles across the Fontanka, at the point where the river meets Lomonosov Street.
The towers and the former drawbridge
Four square pavilions stand at the bridge’s corners, each topped with a domed cap. They once housed the machinery for raising the bridge. The crossing no longer opens for river traffic, but the towers preserve the outline of its earlier drawbridge design. Small decorative obelisks and lamp posts were added at the bridge ends in the early 20th century.
From the bridge, look along the Fontanka and toward the blue domes of Trinity Izmailovsky Cathedral. Anichkov Bridge is another historic crossing nearby, roughly 300 metres away.
FAQ
When was Lomonosov Bridge built?
The stone bridge was built between 1785 and 1787.
Does Lomonosov Bridge still open for boats?
No. It was originally a drawbridge, but it no longer opens for river traffic.
What can you see from Lomonosov Bridge?
You can look along the Fontanka River and toward the blue domes of Trinity Izmailovsky Cathedral.
