Bank Bridge represents some of the highest artistic and architectural qualities in early 19th century bridge building. It also boasts four unique and decorative fairy-tale like cast-iron griffins that ingeniously and mysteriously seem to guard one's passageway onto the footbridge and the gate of the historic State Bank building (now the Academy of Finance and Economics building).
Featured in numerous guidebooks, the Bank Bridge appears to be guarded by four mythological griffins with golden wings made of copper. The bridge's name comes from the neighboring building, which formerly housed the State Bank. In ancient mythology griffins, or winged lions, were perceived as the guardians of treasure.
This pedestrian bridge, which is only 1.85 meters wide, was designed by the engineer V. Tretter. Pavel Sokolov crafted the fantastic mythological cast-iron griffins. He also created the lions for the Lion Bridge and the sphinxes featured on the Egyptian Bridge.
The design of the chain bridge is very similar to Panelaimonovsky and Egyptian bridges on the Fontanka River, though Bank Bridge is a pedestrian bridge and the main support for the bridge comes from the cast-iron griffins.
Other important elements of the Bank Bridge include its cast-iron fencing, which truly embellishes the bridge. Though their design differs fundamentally from the Quarenghi-designed stone fence of the neighboring Finance and Economics Academy and the bridge railings, the fencing, nevertheless, forms a harmonious and interesting artistic ensemble.
The illuminating steel framework of Bank Bridge functions as a bracket with white round lampshades, which attach themselves to the noble heads of the griffins.
Architectural details to delight the eye can be found in the most unexpected places in St. Petersburg. You’ll meet this fierce pair of golden gryphons as you cross the Bank Bridge
Bank Bridge seen across Griboyedov Canal. 1825-1826, engineer G. Treter, sculptor P. Sokolov. Tne St.Petersburg Financial and Economic University (formerly the Currency Bank), 1783-1790, architect G. Quarenghi.
