Anichkov Bridge
Iconic St. Petersburg bridge famed for its dynamic horse tamer sculptures and prime location on Nevsky Prospect.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Anichkov Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic St. Petersburg bridge famed for its dynamic horse tamer sculptures and prime location on Nevsky Prospect.
"Stunning horse statues, historic atmosphere, and great views make it perfect for photos and walks."
📸 Capture the Sculptures
The horse tamer sculptures are the main draw. Get close for detail shots and step back for the full bridge view.
🚶♀️ Stroll Nevsky Prospect
Anichkov Bridge is a highlight on this famous street. Explore the surrounding area for more sights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Horse Tamers Sculptures
Both ends of the bridge
Iconic bronze sculptures depicting tamers with wild horses, symbolizing man's power over nature.
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Nevsky Prospect Views
From the bridge
Enjoy panoramic views of St. Petersburg's main avenue, the Fontanka River, and surrounding architecture.
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Fontanka River Perspective
From the riverbanks or boat
See the bridge from water level, offering a unique angle and appreciating its grandeur from below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Anichkov Bridge
Navigating the Anichkov Bridge Area
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Sculptures
The horse tamer sculptures are the main draw. Get close for detail shots and step back for the full bridge view.
🚶♀️ Stroll Nevsky Prospect
Anichkov Bridge is a highlight on this famous street. Explore the surrounding area for more sights.
🛥️ River Cruise Views
Consider a boat tour on the Fontanka River for a unique perspective of the bridge.
🌅 Sunset Photo Ops
The bridge and its statues are particularly beautiful during sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Sculptures
The horse tamer sculptures are the main draw. Get close for detail shots and step back for the full bridge view.
🚶♀️ Stroll Nevsky Prospect
Anichkov Bridge is a highlight on this famous street. Explore the surrounding area for more sights.
🛥️ River Cruise Views
Consider a boat tour on the Fontanka River for a unique perspective of the bridge.
🌅 Sunset Photo Ops
The bridge and its statues are particularly beautiful during sunset.
❄️ Winter Wonder
When the Fontanka freezes, walking on the ice offers a unique and beautiful viewpoint.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Anichkov Bridge is widely praised for its stunning horse sculptures and its picturesque location on Nevsky Prospect. Visitors appreciate its historical significance and the beautiful views it offers, especially during sunset or from a boat on the Fontanka River. While it's a relatively quick attraction, its artistic merit and iconic status make it a highly recommended stop in St. Petersburg.
"My favourite bridge. Stunning. I could stare at the statues for hours. When the Fontanka froze I went and walked on the ice and it looks beautiful from the ice. Equally stunning on the pavement or by boat in warm weather. Highly recommend the trip up Nevsky to see it"
HL RF
"Anichkov Bridge is a must-see in St. Petersburg. The stunning horse statues, historic atmosphere, and great views of the Fontanka River make it perfect for photos and walks. Especially beautiful at sunset."
Alex Dyachenko
"Decorative bridge in the place where Fontanka river meets Nevsky Prospekt. The bridge itself is not that long, though, some tens of meters. But views at and around and statues also are definitely worth a visit. Especially during the light nights."
Juha Nurmonen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Anichkov Bridge is conveniently located on Nevsky Prospect, the city's main street. You can easily reach it by metro to Gostiny Dvor or Anichkov Bridge stations, or by numerous bus and trolleybus routes that run along Nevsky Prospect. Many visitors also walk to it as part of exploring the city center.
Yes, Anichkov Bridge is very well-served by public transport. Numerous buses and trolleybuses stop directly on Nevsky Prospect near the bridge, making it a central and accessible landmark for tourists.
Absolutely! If you are exploring Nevsky Prospect or the surrounding areas, walking to Anichkov Bridge is a pleasant experience and a great way to see the city. It's a central point in St. Petersburg's historic district.
The best way to see Anichkov Bridge is to walk across it and admire the sculptures from both sides. For a different perspective, consider a boat tour on the Fontanka River or viewing it from the opposite bank, especially near the Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace.
Yes, Anichkov Bridge is frequently included in walking tours of Nevsky Prospect and the historic center of St. Petersburg due to its prominent location and artistic significance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Anichkov Bridge is an outdoor public landmark and does not require an entrance ticket. You can visit and admire its sculptures and views at any time.
Anichkov Bridge is accessible 24/7 as it is a public thoroughfare. However, the best experience for viewing and photography is during daylight hours or early evening.
There is no admission fee for the Anichkov Bridge or its famous horse tamer sculptures. They are free for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, you can visit Anichkov Bridge at night. It is illuminated, offering a different, often romantic, ambiance. However, be mindful of your surroundings as it's a busy street.
As a public bridge and busy street, standard public conduct applies. There are no specific entry restrictions, but it's advisable to be aware of traffic and pedestrian flow.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo spots include standing on the bridge to capture the sculptures and Nevsky Prospect, viewing from the riverbanks for a full bridge shot, and framing the bridge with the Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace in the background.
Yes, Anichkov Bridge is highly recommended for sunset photos. The warm light casts a beautiful glow on the sculptures and the surrounding architecture, creating a stunning scene.
Definitely! Taking photos from a boat on the Fontanka River offers a unique and often dramatic perspective of Anichkov Bridge, showcasing its scale and detail from below.
Early morning or late afternoon/early evening provides the best light for photographing the sculptures, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing their intricate details.
Experiment with angles from both sides of the bridge and from the riverbanks. Capturing the sculptures with the Nevsky Prospect or the Fontanka River in the background offers dynamic compositions.
🎫 🏛️ History & Art
The first bridge on this site was built in 1716. The current stone bridge was constructed between 1783-1785, and its famous horse tamer sculptures were added between 1849-1850 by Peter Clodt von Jürgensburg.
The iconic sculptures of horse tamers were created by the renowned Russian sculptor Peter Clodt von Jürgensburg.
The sculptures are known as 'The Taming of the Horse' and symbolize man's power over nature and the triumph of civilization. Each pair depicts a different stage of taming a wild horse.
Anichkov Bridge is famous for its artistic sculptures, its prominent location on Nevsky Prospect, and its historical significance as one of the oldest and most iconic bridges in St. Petersburg.
The current bridge, built in the late 18th century, is a stone arch bridge. The sculptures add a neoclassical and romantic element to its design.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining a visit with a boat trip on the Fontanka River, which is often a hit with younger travelers. The open space around the bridge also allows for a brief moment to stretch legs. Remember to keep a close eye on children, as Nevsky Prospect is a busy street with active traffic.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon/early evening. The sunset views are particularly renowned, casting a warm glow over the scene. Experiment with different angles, including from the riverbanks and during boat tours, to capture unique perspectives. Don't forget to frame the bridge with the Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace for a classic St. Petersburg shot.
🚶♀️ History & Art Buffs
+1Understand the symbolism of the 'Taming of the Horse' sculptures and their significance in Russian art. The bridge's location on Nevsky Prospect also places it within a rich historical context, making it a perfect stop for appreciating the city's heritage.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Horse Tamers
+1These sculptures are not merely decorative; they are significant works of art that have become synonymous with St. Petersburg. Visitors often spend time admiring the intricate details and the powerful narrative conveyed by each group. They are a testament to the artistic achievements of the era and a key reason why Anichkov Bridge is a must-see landmark.
It's worth noting that the sculptures have been removed and restored multiple times throughout history, reflecting their importance and the city's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
Anichkov Bridge: A Historical Crossroads
+1Its strategic location on Nevsky Prospect, the city's main artery, has made it a vital crossing point for centuries. Over time, it has witnessed countless historical events and has been a backdrop to the city's evolution. The bridge has undergone reconstructions and renovations, most notably in 1908, to maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
+1Today, Anichkov Bridge stands not just as a functional crossing but as a historical monument, blending engineering prowess with artistic expression, and serving as a constant reminder of St. Petersburg's rich past.
Experiencing Anichkov Bridge from the Water
This vantage point allows you to appreciate the scale of the bridge and the artistry of the sculptures in a way that's not possible from the street. It's particularly magical during the 'white nights' when the city is bathed in a soft, ethereal light, or during evening cruises when the bridge is illuminated.
Seeing the bridge from the river also provides a broader context of its integration into the city's waterways and its role in connecting different parts of St. Petersburg. It's a memorable way to engage with this iconic landmark.
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