Panteleymonovskiy Most crosses the Fontanka River beside the Summer Garden in central St Petersburg. Its cast-iron railings, spear-shaped lamp supports and gilded details reward a close look, while the bridge gives views towards the Summer Garden, Salt Town and Mikhailovsky Castle. It also stands near the First Engineer Bridge, forming part of a historic riverside setting. Walk across, then view its decoration from the Fontanka embankments for a different angle.
A crossing with a changing name
Panteleymonovskiy Most spans the Fontanka between the Summer Garden Island and Bezymyanny Island. It is also known as the Chain Bridge and Pestel Bridge. The name Panteleymonovskiy refers to a nearby religious community.
Engineers V. Tretter and V. Khristianovich designed the bridge, which was built in 1823 and 1824. Granite slabs taken from canals around Mikhailovsky Castle were used for its riverbank supports. The bridge reopened under its current name in 1991 after a period named for Decembrist P. I. Pestel, who lived nearby on the Fontanka embankment.
Ironwork, lamps and gilding
Look closely at the cast-iron railing sections. Their decorative pattern combines darts with axes, lances and shields linked by ribbon-like details. The lamp supports are shaped as bundles of spears, with oval shields bearing images of Medusa and crossed swords. Double-headed eagles with laurel wreaths crown the supports.
Gilded and bronzed ornament appears on the bridge’s decorative elements, including spear points, Medusa heads and shield frames. During restoration in 1954, many details received a gold coating, and architect A. L. Rotach’s design brought back the lamp supports that had been lost. The work gave the bridge much of the ornament visible today.
Views from the bridge and riverbank
From the crossing, look towards the Summer Garden, Salt Town and Mikhailovsky Castle, as well as along the Fontanka and its adjoining waterways. The nearby First Engineer Bridge forms an architectural ensemble with Panteleymonovskiy Most.
The riverbank offers another way to take in the bridge’s shape and decoration. A short walk along the embankment gives changing viewpoints of the railings and lamps, while the bridge sits close to the Summer Garden and the church of Saint Panteleimon. Its setting makes it easy to include in a walk between nearby landmarks.
FAQ
Where is Panteleymonovskiy Most?
It crosses the Fontanka River in central St Petersburg, connecting the Summer Garden Island and Bezymyanny Island.
What can you see from the bridge?
Views include the Summer Garden, Salt Town, Mikhailovsky Castle and the Fontanka waterways.
When was the bridge built?
It was built in 1823 and 1824 to a design by engineers V. Tretter and V. Khristianovich.
What details should I look for?
Notice the cast-iron railings, gilded ornaments and lamp supports decorated with shields, crossed swords and Medusa imagery.
