Lions on Palace Pier
On the embankment in front of the east wing of the Admiralty, Palace Pier is a broad flight of granite steps leading down to the Neva. The two lions that flank the steps on pedestals are among the best known sculptures in St. Petersburg. The pier, designed by Carlo Rossi, was originally situated right next to the Winter Palace, but moved 1914-1916 to make way for the construction of Palace Bridge.
The lions, modeled on marble statues on the Piazza della Signoria inFlorence, were constructed from bronze leaf by the German craftsman, Johan Gottlieb Prang to designs by sculptor Ivan Prokofiev, and unveiled in 1832. Among many examples of ceremonial lions in St. Petersburg, they are undoubtedly the most famous.
| Metro: | Admiralteyskaya |
|---|---|
| Getting there: | On exiting the metro, turn left then right onto Malay Morskaya Ulitsa, then left again onto Nevsky Prospekt. Follow the street round onto Palace Square and walk up to the embankment. The lions are across the road to your left. |
| What's nearby? | Neva River, Admiralty, Winter Palace, State Hermitage Museum, Palace Bridge |
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