Bank Bridge

A 25-metre chain bridge held by four gilded griffins – one of Petersburg's most graceful landmarks since 1826.

The Bank Bridge is one of the most delightful small structures in Saint Petersburg. Completed in 1826 to a design by the Baden engineer Wilhelm von Traitteur, this 25-metre pedestrian chain bridge crosses the Gribojedov Canal near the Kazan Cathedral. Its defining feature is four gilded cast-iron griffins whose wings conceal the iron chains that support the bridge deck – an exquisite piece of Empire-style decorative engineering. The bridge sits at the heart of the historic centre, connecting the old banking quarter with the surrounding canal streets. Local tradition holds that touching the griffins brings good luck.