St Petersburg is know as the most beautiful city in Russia. It is especially attractive in summer thanks to many events such as Museum Night, Scarlet Sails, open-air concerts in the city centre and parades.
Drawing bridges in St. Petersburg is one of the most impressive spectacles that attracts not only tourists but also the city’s residents. Bridges are drawn at night, which becomes a real event for the city, especially in summer, when the nights become lighter and the bridges and the Neva River are illuminated by lights.
Despite seeming stereotypes, Russia in general, and St. Petersburg in particular are very safe, also at night, as there are many events, festivals and others where people get together and have a lot of fun, creating a close-knit and friendly atmosphere.
Why do bridges draw up?
Bridges over the Neva River are drawn up to allow large ships such as cruise liners, barges or other large ships that cannot pass under the arches of the bridges unless they are raised. St Petersburg has a system of drawbridges to allow free navigation on the river.
When are the bridges drawn up?
Bridges in St. Petersburg are usually drawn from the end of May to the beginning of November. This is due to seasonal activity on the river and an increase in the number of cruise ships and other large vessels. In winter, bridges are not drawn in winter, as navigation practically stops during this period.
Bridges are usually drawn at night, starting at midnight and finishing by morning. At this time, the river is empty and the bridges are raised for the passage of ships.
There are several drawbridges on the Neva River in St Petersburg. The most famous of them are: Dvortsoviy (Palace Bridge), Troitskiy (Trinity Bridge), Blagoveshchensky (The Annunciation Bridge) and Liteyny bridges.
Drawing of bridges and activities in the city
Tourism and night excursions: The opening of the bridges attracts many tourists, especially during the warm season.
Many tour companies offer boat tours on the Neva River with the opportunity to see the opening of the bridges. Usually such excursions start around 1-2 a.m. and include not only the process of drawing bridges, but also a tour of the historic part of the city from the water.
Photography: For photography enthusiasts, bridge drawings are a chance to capture one of St. Petersburg’s most iconic spectacles. It is especially interesting for those who love night photography: the bridges, the river and the city lights create spectacular scenery.
Entertainment: Sometimes on the days when the bridges are drawn up, additional cultural events are organised: concert programmes at open-air venues, festivals, various night walks and active events.
Significant events
1. City Day (27 May) and other city holidays – bridge opening at these events becomes part of the cultural programme. Sometimes festive events are timed to coincide with these events, which make the nighttime bridge opening even more exciting.
2. Museum Night and White Nights – during these periods, the number of tourists and locals who want to see bridges being drawn up increases significantly. It is also a time when cultural and entertainment events take place throughout the city.
The drawbridge is not just a practical necessity for the city, but also a cultural event that symbolises the opening of St. Petersburg as a major port city with a unique history and atmosphere.
