Interest in the myths and legends of St. Petersburg began to emerge from the very first years of its existence. The city was founded back in 1703 and over the past three centuries its history has been shrouded in various myths, sometimes completely fantastic, sometimes with a real background and even associated with tragedy. I'll tell you about the most famous ones.
Myth one: the city is named after its founder Peter I
Tsar Peter I was baptized on Peter's Day, June 29, 1672, long before the founding of St. Petersburg. He always wanted to name some fortress in honor of his heavenly patron. Such a fortress was supposed to be built on the Don, in honor of the successful campaign against Azov, but … it ended in failure.
Later, on May 16, 1703, a fortress was laid on the Neva in honor of St. Peter and named St. Petersburg. But already in June, after the laying of the Peter and Paul Cathedral in the fortress, it began to be called the Peter and Paul Cathedral. The name Saint Petersburg came back later and has already spread to the whole city. There was also a Greco-Byzantine version of the name of the city - St. Petropolis. The first engraving depicting the city was signed in this way and is now kept in the Hermitage.
Myth two: Kisses Bridge got its name from lovers
It is believed that the Kisses Bridge got its name because it is a favorite place for lovers at all times - hence the name.
In fact, the bridge is named after the merchant Potseluev, who had a tavern on the left bank of the Moika River and was called "The Kiss". The bridge leading to the inn became known as Kiss. The bridge offers an excellent view of St. Isaac's Cathedral.
The third myth: the Bronze Horseman monument is made of copper
The Bronze Horseman is the first monument in St. Petersburg (1782) and is dedicated to Peter I. Many believe that the monument is made of copper and that is why it is called that.
In fact, the monument is cast from bronze, and it got its name thanks to the poem of the same name by A. S. Pushkin. The monument is located on the Decembrists' Square (Senatskaya).
Myth four: a treasure is hidden in the ball on the spire of the Admiralty
There is a myth that a treasure with samples of all kinds of gold coins produced since the founding of St. Petersburg is hidden in the gilded ball on the spire of the Admiralty building, but the secret of the secret turn that opens the treasure is irretrievably lost. It is also believed that the personal casket of Peter I is kept in the bow of the weather vane ship.
The ball really contains a box, but it is not gold that is hidden in it, but detailed information about the repair and restoration of the spire and the boat for the entire time since the building was built is stored.
The fifth myth: Barmaleev street is named after the robber Barmaley from the tale of K. Chukovsky
There is a myth that Barmaleev Street in St. Petersburg is named after the robber from Chukovsky's fairy tale. But in fact, everything was quite the opposite. K. Chukovsky together with the artist M. Dobuzhinsky, walking around the city, came across a street with such a strange name. Since people are creative, they immediately began to fantasize - and this is how the evil robber Barmaley appeared. Later, Chukovsky wrote poetry, and Dobuzhinsky painted a portrait of "bloodthirsty and merciless."
Barmaleeva Street was named so in the second half of the 18th century in honor of the homeowner with the same name.
