“Even if those same stories didn’t exist, they would have been worth inventing” – Kommersant FM

Kommersant FM columnist Pyotr Voronkov explains why this landmark of the Northern capital bears such a name.

Kisses Bridge today in St. Petersburg. It is located at the intersection of the Moika and Kryukov canals. It is considered the most romantic in the city. Couples meet here, tourists come here, newlyweds hang traditional locks and swear eternal love… In 1738, instead of an iron bridge, there was a wooden pedestrian crossing, painted in different colors. They called her “colored”.

Other bridges in the area still bear the names “Blue”, “Green”, “Red” (there was also a “Yellow” bridge, but it was demolished). At the beginning of the 19th century, an arched cast-iron bridge appeared. By the way, this did not prevent the flood of 1824 from moving the colossus. Well, at the beginning of the 20th century, the bridge finally became metal – in order to organize tram traffic across it.

In general, this is a serious city attraction. But where does the name come from? Local guides will be happy to give you several versions. So, the first one says that the bridge was named Potseluev because it leads to the gate of the Guards Fleet Crew, and here the sailors parted with their ladies. Passionately, hotly. Of course, they promised to return. And there was a sea of ​​kisses…

Another version is the prisoners. There was a prison nearby, and on the bridge they said goodbye to their relatives. There is also an ancient story that couples who did not want to advertise their relationship met at this place. There is also a legend, or rather even a sign, that kissing on this bridge means a long and strong relationship… In fact, all these are stories for enthusiastic visitors. Back in the second half of the 18th century, a merchant of the third guild, Nikifor Vasilyevich Potseluev, opened a tavern nearby. They began to call it Potseluev, and he was so popular that the name soon became attached to the bridge. In Soviet times, the “love crossing” was additionally glorified by Leonid Utesov in the song “Leningrad Bridges”. There were these words: “All bridges are being raised, but Kisses, sorry, no.” But, as they say, even if those very stories did not exist, they would have been worth inventing. Which is exactly what happened…