The Battle of Galicia 1914 briefly. Galician battle. Short review. General offensive of the Russian army

Being one of several unique suspension bridges that have survived in St. Petersburg, the Bankovsky Bridge crosses the Griboedov Canal and is located opposite the former Assignation Bank, the building of which currently houses the Financial and Economic Institute. It is not difficult to guess that the bridge received its name precisely from its neighbor - the same Assignation Bank that has not survived to this day.

The construction of the pedestrian Bankovsky Bridge took place in 1825, according to the design of engineers V.K. Tretter and V.A. Khristianovich. It should be noted that the erected bridge became one of the first chain and suspension bridges and stood out for its lightness and elegance of design. Construction works were carried out under the leadership of foreman I. Kostin. The production of cast iron and metal parts, as well as the assembly of structural elements at the construction site, was carried out by the well-known Berd plant. The length of the Bank Bridge was 25.2 meters, width - 1.85 meters. Role load-bearing elements the bridge was taken over by metal chains made from links round section, which from cast iron plates to the bottom of the pedestal, found themselves enclosed in cast iron pipes, filled with wax to protect them from corrosion. The supports for the chains were reinforced into the foundations metal frames, decorated with sculptures of cast iron griffins, the wings of which are covered with thin gold leaf. By the way, the figures of griffins, having become original solution in the design of the Bank Bridge and its main decoration, acquired the status of one of the symbols of St. Petersburg.
According to the beliefs of ancient Greek and Eastern mythology, these monsters were reliable guardians of treasures. It seems that it is no coincidence that these very mythical creatures were located next to the Assignation Bank, in the safes of which, obviously, countless riches were stored. However, while protecting other people's wealth, the griffins were unable to protect themselves. So, despite the fact that the bridge is protected by the state, in the 1980s, part of the wing of one of the griffins was broken, and two lamp caps were stolen. But most of all, of course, the gilding on the wings of the sculptures suffered, which the so-called “gold hunters” are constantly trying to scrape off. These barbarians apparently do not realize that the “scales” of gold leaf are so thin that, of course, you can scrape off the gold, but it is useless to dispose of it, nothing will come of it. But let's return to the griffins. These mythical animals, having the body of a lion and the head and wings of a bird, were cast according to the model of the sculptor P.P. Sokolov, who had great experience in the creation of park sculptures. His most famous works include “Girl with a Jug” in the Catherine Park of the Tsar’s Lyceum. About this sculpture A.S. Pushkin will say: “Having dropped the urn with water, the maiden broke it on a cliff...”. Some busts made by Sokolov can also be seen in the Russian Museum. Interestingly, this sculptor also performed decorative design ships, and, in addition, it was he who created the sculptures of lions at the Lion Bridge across the Griboedov Canal, which has a similar structure to the Bankovsky Bridge that interests us.

One cannot ignore the interestingly designed, openwork latticework of the bridge fencing. Its graceful, delicate design consists of stylized fans and beautifully curved palm leaves. It is noteworthy that the lattice, which we are fortunate to see at the moment, is 125 years younger than the Bank Bridge itself. The old lattice, which originally served as a fence, has not survived, as it was lost at the end of the 19th century. At that moment, it was replaced with primitive railings, and only in 1952, during the restoration of the bridge according to the design of the architect A.L. Rotach and technician G.F. Perlina, the lattice was re-made according to the surviving drawings. In the same year, the lanterns were also restored, which were sconces with white round lampshades, and, according to the sculptor’s plan, were located on the heads of griffins.

In 1949, the wooden deck of the Bank Bridge, which had fallen into a dangerous state, was overhauled and began to consist of purlins, cross members, cross braces and flooring.

In 1967, another restoration of the Bank Bridge was carried out under the leadership of V.I. Pokrovskaya. During restoration work The gilding of rosettes covering the joints of supporting chains and pendants, figured parts of lanterns, balls and rosettes of fences, and other decorative elements was updated. It is noteworthy that the updated gilding created a remarkable effect, becoming particularly striking against the dark green or black background of other parts of the bridge.

The text was prepared by Anzhelika Likhacheva

The pedestrian Bankovsky Bridge, which is guarded by stunning figures of mysterious mythical creatures griffins, is one of the three “animal” St. Petersburg bridges and a place of rare beauty on the Griboyedov Canal. From here you can see alluring views of Nevsky Prospekt, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Singer House, and the side and rear facades of the Kazan Cathedral.

Fabulous lion-headed animals with golden wings easily hold in their raptorial teeth the massive chains on which the Bank Bridge is attached, making the entire structure seem delicately weightless, floating above the quiet waters of the canal.

Bank and ancient myths

The Bank Bridge, which connected the Kazansky and Spassky islands of the Northern capital, was built according to the design of the remarkable engineer Wilhelm von Tretter.

The bridge received its “monetary” name in honor of the nearby financial institution Petersburg - Assignation Bank. This proximity also explains the external fabulous-mystical appearance of the structure.

The cast iron “bird animals” were not chosen to decorate the bridge by chance and appeared thanks to the sculptor Pavel Petrovich Sokolov.

Since ancient times, winged lions have personified the unity of strength and intelligence, they were the guardians of the paths of salvation, treasures and secret knowledge, and in Christian times, a lion with wings became a symbol of St. Mark. But the figures of mythical animals were not only a decoration for the crossing of the canal, but also a disguise for the load-bearing elements of the bridge structure - metal chains. The supports for the powerful round-link chains were frames embedded in the foundation under the pedestals and decorated with sculptures of winged animals. The production of metal parts and the assembly of the structure was carried out by the Charles Byrd Foundry and Mechanical Plant.

The Bank Bridge on the Griboyedov Canal opened on July 24, 1826. Its length was more than 25 m, width - 1.85 meters.

On the day of the grand opening, more than 9 thousand city residents gathered around the powerful griffins, almost three meters high, who were delighted with the magical “little animals”, whose wings were covered with thin sheet gold. Cast-iron spherical lanterns were fixed above the lion's heads, the frames and capitals of which shone with red gold. Graceful fans and intricately curved palm leaves alternated in the delicate pattern of the openwork lattice of the bridge fencing.

In 1949 wood flooring The Bank Bridge, which had fallen into disrepair, was dismantled, and the girders, cross braces, cross members and covering were overhauled. And although the ancient lattice of fences in late XIX century was lost, during the restoration work in 1952 under the leadership of the architect Alexander Rotach, they were made according to the original drawings exact copies fencing with original ornaments. Above the heads of the winged griffins, cast iron lanterns with round lampshades were restored.

In 1967, during the next restoration of the bridge according to the project of V.I. Pokrovskaya restored the gilding of decorative parts masking the connecting points of the supporting chains, curly elements lamps, pendants and fencing sockets. The gold leaf produced a remarkable effect, shining especially brightly on the dark green bodies of the fairy lions and the blackened structures of other parts of the bridge.

Bank bridge today

Nowadays, the griffins of the Bank Bridge, as in ancient times, still stand guard. But now they guard other “national treasures” - talents and “ secret knowledge» students of the State University of Economics and Finance, which is located in the building of the former Assignation Bank. After all, “the chamber of the mind is more valuable than gold.”

During restoration work in 2017, the magnificent winged animals were returned to their historical appearance. Their bodies took on the color of dark bronze, covered with an old patina.

Mystical griffins are shrouded in many gilded decorative elements, lost over the centuries, and appearance sculptures fully corresponds to the unique sketches of Wilhelm von Tretter. The original forged arches, copper parts, and ancient crown ornaments in the form of acanthus leaves were restored.

The magic inherent in the mythical “guardians” has not lost its power - and today amazing “animal birds” bring good luck and fortune. During the next restoration in 2008, treasure, coins and notes with wishes, accumulated for almost two centuries, were found under the statues. There is an old St. Petersburg belief that in order to fulfill a wish you need to reach out and stroke the wing of the griffin that stands closer to the Kazan Cathedral, and to financial well-being- give the animal a coin, placing it near the cast-iron paw.

To find the Bank Bridge, you need to walk from the Nevsky Prospekt metro station for about 5 minutes along the Griboyedov Canal past the Kazan Cathedral (about 5 minutes).

The history of the Bank Bridge dates back to the 1820s. At that time, the population of the islands adjacent to the Catherine Canal was increasing, and additional crossings were required. As a result, in 3 years, from 1823-1825, the development of 6 suspension bridges was realized. Among them was Bankovsky. Its opening took place on August 5, 1826; in the first 24 hours, about 9,000 people crossed the bridge.

Almost all suspension bridges, including Bankovsky, were built according to the sketches of the architect Wilhelm von Tretter. He also has such bridges as Pochtamtsky, Lion, Egyptian and Panteleimonovsky. IN given time all five bridges have been converted to accommodate the new loads.

In all the bridges built by Tretter, repetition of designs could be seen. The bridge spans were held in place by chains attached from above. And the chains were held in place by special frames, which were made of metal and hidden in the bases on the island part.

The sides of the Bank Bridge were decorated with winged lions, more often called griffins in St. Petersburg (although this is not entirely correct). Typically, such sculptures were a finishing element of furniture or part of an architectural ensemble. According to the design of P. Sokolov, they were cast in large sizes and steel business card bridge. The Alexander Iron Foundry made the lions from cast iron and the wings from copper. The wings were then covered in gold leaf.

After construction, the lions had lanterns on their heads, and the railings were made of simple latticework. However, at the end of the 19th century, the lanterns were removed and the grilles were replaced with new ones - more elegant with ornaments.

During its life, the Bank Bridge in St. Petersburg was greatly worn out, in addition, lovers of easy money tried to scrape gold from the wings of lions. Therefore, in 1952, the bridge went for reconstruction. During the work, the paint on the bridge parts was updated, returning the cast-iron color, lights were installed, and the fence was returned to its original appearance (design by engineer A. Rotach). And in 1967, the gilding returned to its original appearance.

Almost 20 years later, the bridge with griffins in St. Petersburg underwent changes again. In 1967, some wooden parts were replaced with metal ones, and in 1988 the wings of the griffins had to be “gilded” again. Already at the end of the 20th century, in 1997, the griffins themselves, as well as the railings and lighting, underwent reconstruction. During this renovation, many coins and notes with wishes left by tourists were found under the paws of the griffins.

The next large-scale restoration began on the bridge in the winter of 2017. There are plans to update the griffins, as well as repair the bridge span itself. In addition, perhaps the railings themselves will be redone.

How is the bridge constructed?

The Bank Bridge in St. Petersburg is made of an iron base, laid with boards on top.

The main characteristics of the bridge are:

• span length – 28 meters;
• width from railing to railing – 1 meter;
• for pedestrians only;
• not divorceable.

The bridge is a suspension bridge and is supported by special structures that are hidden inside four griffins installed on both banks. The height of the griffins is 2.4 meters. The railing is made of wrought iron with a pattern.

Where does the name come from?

The name of the bridge is closely related to the time of its construction. At the time it was erected, in 1825, the Assignation State Bank was located on Griboyedov Street Russian Empire. And the bridge was thrown right over the entrance to the building. They decided to name the bridge after the bank.

Nowadays, instead of a bank, the building is occupied by St. Petersburg the University of Economics. The name of the St. Petersburg bridge with griffins was not changed.

Location

The Bank Bridge spans the Griboyedov Canal and connects two islands - Kazansky and Spassky. The exact address of the Bank Bridge in St. Petersburg can be determined by the university building - st. Griboyedova 27-30. To get to this place you need to get off at the Nevsky Prospekt metro station towards the Kazan Cathedral. The journey on foot will take no more than 5 minutes, and the griffins will be visible almost immediately.

Griffins on Bankovsky Bridge in St. Petersburg: legends and beliefs

There are many legends around the Bank Bridge in St. Petersburg. The first tells the reason why griffins were installed on both sides of the bridge. Since ancient times, such creatures have been considered guardians of wealth. And since the Bank Bridge in St. Petersburg led to the bank building, the griffins fulfilled their direct mission - to protect the financial well-being of the Russian Empire.

According to the continuation of the legend, anyone can improve their financial condition. To do this you need to take a few simple steps:

• a coin is placed under the paw of any of the four griffins, a wish is said, the paw is rubbed, and then the place above the creature’s tail is kissed;
• Another common way is to walk along the bridge with a handful of change in your pocket, clanking loudly along the way. Or, in order not to attract much attention, you can simply hold paper money in your hand and think about your future well-being while crossing from one bank to the other.

After the Institute of Economics appeared on the site of the bank, griffins began to bring good luck to students. For successful completion session, before the exam you must turn to the griffins for help and rub your paw.

Final on this list magical properties griffins' belief about the fulfillment of wishes. In order for the cherished wish to be fulfilled, it is written on a piece of paper, which is pushed under the paw of the griffin that is closest to the Kazan Cathedral. And then they rub this paw, as if calling on the winged lion for help.

Mentions in art

The first thing that comes to mind is the famous film " Incredible adventures Italians in Russia”, where miracle travelers are looking for treasure buried under a lion. Griffins are not lions in the full sense of the word, but, as you can remember, all lions or creatures at least similar to them were counted.

Another film that shows the Bank Bridge in St. Petersburg is “ Magic power" At the very end of the third part, “The Magical Power of Art,” the famous actor Arkady Raikin and several girls walking behind pass precisely over this bridge.

The Bank Bridge connects the Kazansky and Spassky Islands across the Griboyedov Canal in the Central District of St. Petersburg.

Bank Bridge received its name from the nearby building of the Assignation Bank, which now houses the St. Petersburg State University economics and finance.

Like other bridges across the canal, it was built in 1825-1826.

The design of the suspension bridge was designed by engineer Wilhelm von Tretter, the creator of a number of bridges across the Griboyedov Canal, Fontanka and Moika. The general supervision of the construction of the bridge was carried out by Colonel E. A. Adam.

Particularly famous Bank Bridge They brought corner sculptures of griffins by P. P. Sokolov.

In 1949, the wooden bridge deck was overhauled. In 1951-52 superstructure the bridge was replaced by a metal one, camouflaged along the facades to look like wood; restored lanterns and forged metal fencing, in 1967 and 1988 - the gilding of the griffins' wings was restored. In 1997, the sculptures were repaired and the railing was restored. The bridge offers a view of St. Petersburg's Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

In 2007-2008, the embankment of the Griboyedov Canal from Kazansky to Bank Bridge.