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Prachechny Bridge

Prachechny (Laundry) Bridge in Saint-Petersburg, Russia as seen from the Neva River
Prachechny (Laundry) Bridge as seen from the Neva River

One of the oldest and most beautiful stone bridges in St. Petersburg, Prachechny Bridge crossed the Fontanka River at the point where it runs out of the Neva, next to Peter the Great's charming summer palace. Dating back to 1769, the bridge was partly designed by the elder Rossi, and built in conjunction with the Fontanka's granite embankments. The bridge, also granite, is a three-span hump-backed structure with beautiful curving parapets. The name - meaning "Laundry Bridge" - refers to the palace laundries, which were once located nearby.