Pikalov Bridge, Kryukov Canal Embankment, 19, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 190068
Pikalov Bridge was built between 1783 and 1785 at the intersection of the Catherine (Griboedov) and Kryukov canals, connecting Kolomna and Pokrovsky Islands in the Admiralteysky District of Saint Petersburg.
This is a three-span structure 24.5 meters long. The length of the bridge measured along the back edges of the abutments is 26.8 meters, the width between the railing axes is 10.4 meters, and the width along the cornice is 10.8 meters. The span structure is a reinforced concrete slab beam-continuous system, with facades clad in metal sheets.
The bridge is illuminated by four oval "Washington"-type lanterns mounted on brackets, while granite obelisks located on the intermediate supports serve as floor lamps.
The railing is a light metal lattice with a simple pattern, and granite parapets are on the wing walls. The roadway is asphalt concrete, and the sidewalks on the wing walls are made of granite slabs. The bridge’s design was a standard type used for all bridges in this part of Saint Petersburg. It was named after the construction contractor. The original Pikalov Bridge was a wooden beam crossing on stone supports. The central part of the bridge was movable but was later replaced with a fixed span. Granite obelisks with lanterns on ornate pedestals topped with "pinecones" are installed on the central supports outside the railings.
In 1905, the wooden beams were replaced with riveted metal beams of a continuous system. The roadway was wooden. The railing consisted of light lattices made of round iron.
The abutments and intermediate supports are stone, founded on piles, and clad in granite. The project author is unknown.
Pikalov Bridge repeats the design of bridges built at the same time, such as Alarchin and Malo-Kalinkin. At the beginning of the 20th century, due to the introduction of trams in the city, those bridges were reconstructed, but Pikalov Bridge retained its original appearance.
In 1953, architect Rotach’s project restored the brackets with oval "Washington"-type lanterns, and in 1969, the "pinecones" on the granite obelisks were gilded.
Between 1982 and 1984, the bridge underwent major repairs. The pile foundations of the supports and abutments were reinforced. The "body" of the abutments and supports was relaid with restoration of the granite cladding. The metal three-span continuous structure was replaced with a reinforced concrete slab beam-continuous system. The facades of the span structure were clad with metal sheets. The railing, granite obelisks, and lanterns were restored to their original appearance.
Pikalov Bridge is famous for the fact that from it you can simultaneously see seven other crossings, known as the "Seven Bridges": Mogilevsky, Krasnogvardeysky, Novo-Nikolsky, Smezhnoy, Staro-Nikolsky over the Griboedov Canal, and Kashin and Torgovy Bridges over the Kryukov Canal. To this day, Pikalov Bridge remains the only crossing in this part of the city that has largely preserved its historical appearance since the 1780s.
According to legend, the "Seven Bridges" grant wishes: on the 7th day of any month at 7 p.m., you need to stand on Pikalov Bridge and make a wish while turning clockwise.
Sources:
https://mostotrest-spb.ru/bridges/pikalov
