Blagoveshchensky Bridge in St. Petersburg is known as the last crossing before the Neva River flows into the Gulf of Finland. This elegant bridge became the city's first permanent crossing, connecting Vasilievsky Island with the Admiralty district. At the time of its construction, it was the longest in the world. Throughout its history, the bridge has changed names several times, but in the 20th century, it regained its historical name. Few know that Blagoveshchensky Bridge also witnessed revolutionary events.

Since the founding of the city, the Great Neva has been its main transport artery, through which ships with tall masts passed. Permanent bridges were impossible, so pontoon crossings were used. In the 18th century, attempts began to create a permanent bridge that would not obstruct navigation. Among the proposals was a project by Kulibin, but it was not accepted. Engineers from different countries participated in the competition, but their projects turned out to be either expensive or impractical.

On February 11, 1842, the bridge project was entrusted to Stanislav Kerbedz. Together with architect Alexander Bryullov, he developed a design for a cast-iron drawbridge with stone supports, which was approved on October 15.

The construction of the bridge over the Great Neva was complex. Soil testing and trial pile driving were conducted. New steam engines and cranes were needed for construction. Many systems were developed specifically for the bridge.

There is a legend that the emperor promised a promotion to the architect for each span of the bridge. Kerbedz increased their number to eight and received a promotion, but only by one rank.

The builders deepened the Neva's channel and reinforced the banks with granite. Initially, the draw span was located at the right bank. The banks of the Neva changed: the right was expanded, and Blagoveshchenskaya Square appeared on the left. Hydrological works were carried out on the Admiralty Canal, and part of it was hidden underground.

Copper plates were installed at the base of the bridge, one of which was found in the 21st century. Cast-iron elements were ordered from England, while the draw span was built in St. Petersburg. The construction took eight years, and on November 21, 1850, the bridge was opened. Emperor Nicholas I and his family led the procession across the new bridge.

The bridge's length was 298 meters, and its width was 20 meters. It became the longest cast-iron bridge in the world. The arches of the bridge were of different sizes, but the design turned out to be elegant. Gas lamps were installed at the supports.

Four years later, a chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was built near the bridge. The architect was Andrei Stackenschneider. It was proposed to decorate the bridge with sculptures, but they were never installed.

After the death of Nicholas I, the bridge was renamed Nikolayevsky. In 1863, a horse-drawn railway was laid across it. In the early 20th century, the bridge was prepared for trams, the draw spans were reinforced, and the lamps were replaced.

In October 1917, the bridge was raised, cutting off Vasilievsky Island from the city. The cruiser Aurora anchored near the bridge, and after a shot, the storming of the Winter Palace began. In 1918, the bridge was renamed Lieutenant Schmidt Bridge.

In 1930, the chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was demolished. In 1936, reconstruction of the bridge began. Only the supports and railings of the old bridge remained. The new draw span was placed in the center, and the mechanism was hidden in a pavilion.

During the Siege of Leningrad, the bridge was damaged by bombings. A major reconstruction took place in 1975-1976.

In 2005, the bridge was closed for repairs. The mechanisms were updated, tram tracks were removed, and the bridge was returned to its original appearance. On August 15, 2007, the renovated bridge was opened, and it regained its historical name Blagoveshchensky. In 2022, the bridge celebrated its 15th anniversary after reconstruction.

Today, the original structure remains only in the supports and railings. Gas lamps can be seen in Mars Field, and the cast-iron arches were used for the construction of a bridge in Tver. Blagoveshchensky Bridge, one of the most beautiful crossings in St. Petersburg, is especially stunning during the white nights from the English Embankment.