Big stone bridge history. Big stone bridge. Landmark of the capital of Russia

December 11, 2018

Here, on the Palatine Bridge, hundreds of tourists stop every day to once again capture themselves at the huge piece of ancient Roman history standing in the middle of the river. For hundreds of years, it has risen above the choppy waters of the Tiber at the point where the river makes its last turn before leaving the area. historical center Eternal City. These are the still preserved remains of an ancient bridge, today called Ponte Rotto, which was the first stone bridge in Rome.

Ponte Rotto, Tiber

During work to expand the river bed and improve its banks, in 1887 footbridge across the Tiber was liquidated. Its two arched spans, located closer to the western bank and built in the 16th century, were destroyed, leaving only one in the center of the river. Rising above the water, the ruin still rests on the original pylons built in the 2nd century BC.

Broken Bridge, 2018

Today, the remains of the bridge are covered with many cracks, giving this fragment of ancient Roman history an incomparable romantic look. And the Broken Bridge in Rome, standing in the middle of the river, will always remind its residents of the enormous destructive power of the Tiber.

On highways The Russian Federation operates about 50 stone bridges. Each of them is arched with a circular, less often ellipsoidal, vault outline. Stone bridges make up only 0.8% of all existing structures. The number of such structures 25 years ago was about 100, half a century ago - over 150. Even if we take into account those stone bridges that today are classified as “pipe” or are not on the balance sheet at all, there are federal network will be no more than 1.5%.

The reduction of similar structures is also typical for local networks. So, for example, in the Moscow region, out of the existing 800 structures, only 5 are made of stone, about 10 are in the Urals. Approximately 20 bridges are in operation in St. Petersburg and Leningrad region, in Moscow today there are only 4 arch crossings left. In the North Caucasus, the construction of such structures has practically stopped. Even in Dagestan, where stone bridge construction took first place, only 3 new structures have appeared over the last decade. And this suggests that in Russia stone bridges are unjustifiably replacing industrial reinforced concrete and metal structures, and this also applies to areas rich in this rock.

Let's plunge into the past

One of the very first structures in the capital was built of brick through It connects the Trinity Gate of the Kremlin Tower with the Kutafya Strelnitsa. Stone Bridge in Moscow initially did not have supports with cutwaters and vaults. According to historian Zabelin, the stone structure was built in 1367; today it is crossed by a park - the Alexander Garden.

Landmark of the capital of Russia

The Great Stone Bridge in Moscow was built back in 1692. Then he was called All Saints. However, since 1858, the Bolshoi Kamenny Bridge has been considered the first iron structure in Moscow. In the 16th century, it was possible to cross from one bank to the other only by “live” floating crossing. In the 17th century, construction began on a stone bridge; in 1938 it was already made of reinforced concrete, but the name remained the same. In order for it to fully correspond to the name, it was faced with granite.

The panorama of the Kremlin, opening from the Kamenny Bridge, can be seen on the back of the passports of Russian citizens. In addition, from this structure one can see the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Sofiyskaya, Prechistenskaya and Bersenevskaya embankments.

Other stone bridges were also built in Moscow to cross rivers and ravines. At the end of the 18th century, Kitay-gorod and the Kremlin were connected by two artificial structures - Spassky and Nikolsky.

Big Stone Bridge in Moscow: 1680

Until the 15th century, there was a floating crossing on the site of the modern structure. Only in 1643 did the king give the order to begin construction of the first stone bridge. They entrusted this to a master from Strasbourg - Yagon Christler. All construction work on the construction of the stone bridge was suspended after the death of the Tsar and the master; everything was completed by an unknown Russian monk in 1687. It was completed in 1692 and given the name All Saints.

The stone bridge reached 170 meters in length and 22 in width. It had 8 arches, those that were intended to pass boats, with 15-meter spans. From the left bank it was possible to enter through the All Saints Gate; at the other end of the bridge there was a tower with a double-hipped top.

Changes since 1858

The dilapidated stone bridge was dismantled and in 1858 it was replaced with a three-span metal one (the first in Moscow). In 1938, a new structure appeared on this site, on which engineer Kalmykov and architects Gelfreich, Shchuko and Minkus worked. The length of the bridge is 487 meters (including entrances). It offers an excellent view of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Kremlin, and from here you can also see the architectural monument “House on the Embankment”, built according to the design of Iofan B.M.

Wedding walks

All residents of the former USSR know the Big Stone Bridge from Moscow chronicles. The appearance of this panorama has not changed to this day and looks very good in photographs behind the newlyweds.

The bridge is considered a symbol of unification, so photos taken at this place will constantly remind you of the meaning of this word. Think about how much there is in common. Bridge. Opposite shores. Two destinies and one family.

Small stone bridge

The Small Stone Bridge crosses in second place after the Patriarchal Canal along the capital's canal. This structure is located in the Yakimanka district, on one side is Serafimovicha Street, and on the other is Bolshaya Polyanka.

The Small Stone Bridge was opened in 1938. Its length is 64 meters with a width of 40 meters. This is not the first structure built on this site. Previously, there was a bridge here, the construction of which was completed in 1788. At that time it was made of wood and was named “Kozmodemyansky”. In 1880 it was replaced by a stone bridge with the corresponding name.

The Yakovlevs and Golbrodsky worked on the modern design; for some time there were tram tracks here.

Sights of St. Petersburg

In 1752, across the Krivusha River (today known to us as the Griboedov Canal) a wooden bridge with one span. Subsequently, engineer Nazimov developed a new design for the crossing. At that time it was the first structure made of stone, which is why it was called the Stone Bridge. St. Petersburg can still boast of this crossing today, and no alteration work has ever been undertaken. A special design feature of the bridge is the use of diamond rustication. Many people are unfamiliar with this concept, so let us explain in more detail what it is. Diamond rustication refers to the processing of protruding stones in the shape of a tetrahedral pyramid, the edges of which, thanks to special polishing, sparkle brightly when touched, resembling diamonds. This technique was often used in construction, but is rarely seen today. The Stone Bridge (St. Petersburg) was built with four semicircular staircases leading down to the water, which were eliminated in the 19th century.

In 1880, the 7th assassination attempt on the emperor was planned at this place. Members of the Narodnaya Volya party planted a bomb under the bridge with the aim of blowing up the crossing when the royal carriage was passing through it. Nevertheless, this idea was not destined to come true, since the agents revealed the plan in a timely manner and Emperor Alexander II crossed the bridge before the Narodnaya Volya arrived on the scene. In 1881, 7 pounds of dynamite were removed from under the structure, but this already happened after the death of the emperor.

St. Petersburg - the city of bridges

Peter was honored to be called the guardian of Russian history. In one city there are many cathedrals, palaces, luxurious fountains, magnificent museums and temples.

St. Petersburg is the main owner of all kinds of crossings, islands and canals. The city has drawbridges, suspension bridges and stone bridges along which visitors walk. All buildings have a unique solution. The forged frame gives them a certain uniqueness. There is a story associated with the construction of each bridge. This is precisely what explains the desire of guests to admire the forged masterpieces of art.

Of course, there is no point in describing all the bridges of St. Petersburg. Still, their beauty cannot be expressed in words. I would like to note that stone bridges have truly become the pride of the second capital of Russia. The very first bridges to appear were Prachechny, Hermitage, Kamenny and Verkhne-Lebyazhy; they still adorn the city today.

The Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge in Moscow is one of the most famous bridges capital, and throughout Russia. In all images, be it postcards, posters, photographs, where it appears, the Great Stone Bridge is always included in the frame. This structure, intended for both people and cars, connects the two banks of the Moscow River. On one side of the bridge there is Borovitskaya Square and Znamenka and Mokhovaya streets nearby, on the other - Bolotny Island and Bolshaya Polyanka Street.

Until the 15th century, instead of the modern bridge, there was a floating bridge, which was a deck made of logs laid on several fastened rafts. Such a structure was convenient to use; if necessary - enemy raids, ice floes melting, covering the river with ice - it could simply be removed.

After the end of the raids of the Tatar troops on the city, the number of residents of Zamoskvorechye increased markedly, which led to the need for a permanent strong bridge. In 1643, at the invitation of Mikhail Romanov, the architect Jagon Krilster from Strasbourg arrived in Moscow to create a new bridge. The planned structure was supposed to be a stunning structure at that time. The height of the bridge was planned to be more than 30 meters; the base was to be ice-cutting bulls, treated with metal, to protect the crossing during the melting of the ice. As a result, it had to be so strong that it could withstand even cannon shots. Klister's death delayed the construction of the crossing for several decades.

Only in 1682-1687 was the construction of the bridge completely completed. The project was led by a monk about whom there is no information left. The result was a large-scale structure - 170 meters long and 22 meters wide. The structure was supported by 8 arches. The arches in the center of the bridge were 15 meters high. This height was sufficient for ships to pass under the structure. To protect the bridge from hostilities during wars, a tower with tents was erected on the right bank of the river. The bridge became not only a way of quick communication between the two banks, but also an opportunity to conduct trade, since there were trading shops on both sides.

The new crossing served until 1859. Then, due to its disrepair, it was replaced with a metal structure with three spans. Modern look The stone bridge was built in 1938. The new project was carried out by a group of craftsmen: engineer N. Ya. Kalmykov and several professional architects. Today the bridge is 487 meters long and 40 meters wide.

If you look at the city from this bridge, you can see a panorama of the historical center of Moscow and the three main embankments of the city.

The Bolshoi Kamenny Bridge is a bridge across the Moscow River connecting Borovitskaya Square, Mokhovaya and Znamenka streets near the Borovitskaya Tower of the Kremlin with Bolshaya Polyanka Street on Bolotny Island.

The length of the bridge with approaches is 487 m, including a river span of 105 m, a bank span of 42.5 m, and a width of 40 m.

The Big Stone Bridge offers wonderful views of,.

The nearest metro stations: Polyanka, Borovitskaya, Tretyakovskaya.

The lattice of the Big Stone Bridge is decorated with the symbols of the USSR of the early period. Thus, on the coat of arms you can see the Monument to the Soviet Constitution, which was located on Tverskaya Square opposite the Moscow City Hall building in 1918-1941.

Historical background

Modern bridge was built in 1938 and installed slightly downstream of the river (engineer N. Ya. Kalmykov, architects V. A. Shchuko, V. G. Gelfreich, M. A. Minkus). Later, the bridge was moved to Borovitskaya Square, since the narrow Lenivka made access to it difficult.

In 1643, by decree of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich, the construction of a bridge across the Moscow River was started by a master from Strasbourg, Yagon Christler. The bridge was named All Saints after the nearby All Saints Gate. After the death of the king and the master, construction was stopped, as the plan was considered too bold and expensive.

Construction was resumed in 1682 and completed in 1687, on the initiative of Princess Sophia and Vasily Golitsyn, following the old model of Christler (who left behind a wooden model of the bridge) of the “bridge stone craftsman” monk St. Philaret. After completion in 1692, the bridge received the name of All Saints. Other names of the bridge were: Bersenevsky and New Kamenny (Old Kamenny meant the Trinity Bridge across the Neglinka, near the Trinity Tower of the Kremlin). Over time, the bridge acquired its modern name.

Huge amounts of money were spent on the construction of the bridge. At that time, a saying even arose - “” (about the value and high cost of something). In the 19th century in the Nizhny Novgorod province a saying was also recorded: “A stone bridge is better!”

Over time, the bridge fell into disrepair. In 1858, on the site of the dismantled bridge, engineer N.N. Voskoboynikov, according to the design of engineer Colonel Tannenberg, built a new, first metal three-span bridge in Moscow. The river span was blocked by arches. Fire monitors were used as pavement.

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Images

All Saints Bridge. Moscow at the end of the 17th century. Vasnetsov A.M., 1901 Yaroslavl Art Museum

The Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge across the Moscow River is actually metal. This incident is easily explained: in one of its versions, the bridge was actually made of stone, but by the middle of the 19th century, it was decided to demolish the dilapidated structure and install a metal structure in its place.

In Moscow, the Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge hangs over the river near the Borovitsky Gate of the Kremlin. On one side of the bridge you can go to Mokhovaya and Znamenka streets, on the other – to Bolshaya Polyanka.

The first bridge on this site existed back in the 14th-15th centuries, but it was only a temporary structure - the so-called floating bridge, a movable and therefore dangerous structure made of log decks lying on rafts. The bridge was removed for the winter, and it could also be dismantled if the capital was attacked by an enemy.

The first capital bridge made of stone was erected in the 17th century, and its construction lasted almost forty years. The initiator of the construction was Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich, who in 1643 invited a Strasbourg master named Christler. The Tsar personally supervised the development of the project, but two years later Mikhail Romanov died of illness, and Yagon Christler himself died, so work on the construction of the stone bridge was suspended.

In the 80s of the 17th century, Princess Sophia, daughter of Alexei Mikhailovich, decided to resume construction, with the participation of Prince Vasily Golitsyn. Christler's plans were taken as a basis. As a result, the bridge was 170 meters long and more than twenty meters wide. The width of the bridge was such that it made it possible to place various shopping and drinking establishments on it. All this did the bridge a disservice: both the bridge and its surroundings soon began to be considered places where one could easily become a victim of reckless people.

Subsequent reconstructions of the bridge were carried out in the middle of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th. In 1859 it was replaced with a metal one, and in 1938 it was rebuilt by a team of architects and engineers. The width of the updated bridge has almost doubled, and the length over the river is 105 meters.

In the 19th century, the Bolshoi Kamenny Bridge was mentioned in the same breath as such sights as the Tsar Cannon and the Tsar Bell. Today from it you can admire views of Moskvoretsk embankments, the Kremlin and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.