Published: 2012-08-30
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Kirovsky Bridge: uniting the city and hearts.
If you still have not decided what to see in Vitebsk, walk on Kirovsky Bridge. It is a place where amazing views of Vitebsk are born. And in the evening, when the city is surrounded by a festive night lights, you can hear one of the great legends in the history of Vitebsk.
Kirovsky Bridge is probably one of the amazing places in Vitebsk. Commuting the two bank of the Western Dvina River, it suddenly opens up incredible views of Vitebsk able to conquer even the most sophisticated hearts. You will always be fascinated by the amazing views of Vitebsk - no matter when you walk - in winter or in spring, when the nature dresses in just enchanting greenery, in hot summer or on a rainy day, when Vitebsk gets prettier and blossoms with every drop of rain.
At first, they built a wooden bridge through the Western Dvina River, and it was called Dvinsky. As the history of Vitebsk testifies, every year in June, it was rebuilt by Vitebsk specialists, because it did not withstand flooding and icing.
The situation changed dramatically in 1866, when a railway and a station was built on the right bank part of Vitebsk. The city needed constant and reliable communication with the left bank. Therefore, the construction of a new bridge begun in 1863 according to the project two engineers - Amy and Green. The bridge was built with assistance of retired titular councilor Zimerman and honorary hereditary citizen Joseph Katelyansky. Already in 1866 it became ornament and interesting attraction in Vitebsk.
Dvinsky Bridge consisted of four spans and was decorated with arches. But in 1880s metal openwork appeared instead of the wooden. In 1898, due to opening tram lines in Vitebsk, on Dvinsky bridge rails were laid and a high railing was made.
During the Great Patriotic War, retreat of the Soviet troops, this Vitebsk bridge was partially destroyed, although the strategic way was rebuilt during the Nazi occupation. However, Dvinsky bridge could not survive – it was finally destroyed in 1944.
The war ended, and they did not hurry with the restoration of the bridge. The object was finished only in 1955. At the same time the bridge was named after Kirov.
In 2004-2005 the next reconstruction of Kirovsky Bridge was held, during which the sidewalks were extended and the pavement was replaced. And the Millennium Square in Vitebsk was decorated with a stone from the basement of Dvinsky bridge, built in 1867. After another couple of years, in 2010, decorative lights appeared at Kirovsky Bridge, stylized antique; in the mystery of which the pages of the history of Vitebsk seems come to life.
Other attractions of Vitebsk are located nearby. A walk in the Center of Folk Arts "Zadvinye" and Shopping Center "Marco City" will give many pleasant impressions. You should not miss also the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and the building of Yakub Kolas Theater. Why these objects are so important in the history of Vitebsk, city portal VitebskCity.by will tell.