This beautiful bridge was constructed under the project of architect G. Tretter, who was one of the foremost advocates for building the first chain bridges in the city. The work was completed in July 1826. The narrow pedestrian bridge measures 2.26 meters wide and 22.44 meters long.
The bridge spans historic Griboyedov Canal, which runs through the heart of the city at one of its most prominent curves and is located 10-minute walk from the Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, or about a 5-minute walk from the Conservatory and the Mariinsky Theater.
The Lions Bridge construction was innovative in that time because the bridge's support was ingeniously hidden in the metal carcasses of the four white cast-iron lions that stand in pairs at each end of the bridge giving it its proud name. These are the works of famous Russian sculptor P. Sokolov.
The shining gold chains linking the Lions on each end of the bridge provide an especially powerful artistic impression. Their iron figures are painted in marble imitating colors.
The bridge was reconstructed in the middle of the last century, after years of deterioration. Reconstruction created its famous image that remained until the present time. First it was bordered with cast iron tracery railings equipped with standard lamps in the central part. During the restoration cast iron barrier was replaced with forged one and railings and the shape of lamps were modified.
The elaborated gray railings of the bridge are adorned by various glimmering bronze rosettes. This railing style became particularly popular in St. Petersburg and was used as a model for many new bridges.