There is definitely a reason that St. Petersburg is among the most frequently visited tourist spots in the entire world. The city itself contains all of the ingredients for an unforgettable vacation: active nightlife, rich history, high art, opulent architecture, charming culture, enticing entertainment.

One of the gems of the city that you may not expect is its bridges. It’s actually difficult to go anywhere in the city without crossing a bridge. The network of rivers and canals that comprises the Neva Delta (along the Neva River) has made bridges and bridge-building a vital part of St. Petersburg’s infrastructure since the founding of the city.

Many of Russia’s greatest architects and engineers have contributed to the city‘s famous bridges over the last 400 years. Of the 342 bridges in the city, several of them are technical and aesthetic masterpieces.

One of the most famous sites within St. Petersburg is the Palace Bridge. It is literally unmissable to most visitors to the city as it must be used to move from the Palace Square — home to the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum — and the numerous historic attractions on Vasilevskiy Ostrov.

Built in 1901, the Palace Bridge is comprised of five cast-iron spans resting on granite-clad, packed-rubble piers. The central span of the bridge splits into two wings, which are raised outward in an angle of over 45 degrees to allow ships to pass up the Neva River. The view of the golden spire of the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral between the two raised wings is one of the most memorable images of St. Petersburg.

Another architectural highlight of St. Petersberg is the Anichkov Bridge. From this bridge you have an absolutely spectacular view of the surrounding palaces. Additionally, you can see the famous sculptures — the Horse Tamers by Pyotr Klodt — that crown the bridge’s four corners.

Third on your tour of St. Petersburg’s 342 bridges is the Trinity Bridge, also known as the Troitsky Bridge, which was opened in 1903 as part of the celebrations of St. Petersburg’s 200th anniversary. This bridge was the third permanent bridge to be laid across the River Neva, running from just north of the Field of Mars on the left bank of the river to the Petrograd Side next to the Peter and Paul Fortress.

The Trinity Bridge is known as one of the most beautiful bridges thanks to its spectacularly ornate Art Nouveau design. It is also the second longest bridge in the city, as well as one of the busiest.

What is the best thing about touring St. Petersberg’s beautiful, historic bridges? It’s the fact that they’re functional, too. The bridges of the city serve as your connection while you explore the many sites of this gorgeous, action-filled destination.

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