Lions on the palace pier. Panorama of the Lions of the Palace Pier
St. Petersburg is rightfully considered a city densely populated by lions. In stone, cast iron and metal, in full height, in bas-reliefs and on monuments. With balls under the paws of the main staircases and wings on the bridges. Smiling and serious, disheveled and neat. It is absolutely certain that it is impossible to count everyone. But we invite you to meet the most famous ones.
You can devote one day of your stay in St. Petersburg to “shaking a paw” with the kings of animals of the Northern capital, or you can remember their location and, during walks on different days, collect acquaintances with them in your collection.
Advice. If you like non-standard photographs and subject shooting, take a small toy lion cub with you and insert it into the frame. Your photos will become much brighter and more interesting.
Let's start the Lion's route from the beginning, i.e. on the Petrograd side, from the house of Peter I. In front of the house, looking at the embankment, stands bust of the city founder. If you don't know, it's almost impossible to notice on his left shoulder is the face of a lion. What is this and why did the lion appear in this form on the sculpture? - you ask. The thing is that on the coat of arms of Sweden, the country with which St. Petersburg owes its appearance to the war at the beginning of the 18th century, there are two lions. The placement of this symbol on Peter's shoulder shows the undeniable victory over the Swedes and the submission of the northern enemy.
Historians argue why there are so many lions in St. Petersburg. Of course, the most reasonable explanation is that lions, as symbols of the sun and power, were extremely popular in Europe in the 17th - 18th centuries; many sculptors and architects loved them, decorating entrances to palaces with them and creating spectacular bas-reliefs with faces. But we can also believe that the lions in the city remained from the Swedes, more precisely as a memory of the victory over them, and now they keep their guard, guarding the Russian city on the Neva, which was once the fortress of Nyenschanz.
On the route we will meet not only ordinary lions. They will be with wings and in the most bizarre images. Therefore, literally walking a couple of steps along the embankment, we meet some of the most unusual lions of the city - Shih Tzu. These are mythological lions brought to the Neva embankment from the city of Girin in Manchuria in 1907. Since then, unusual sculptures have been guarding the pier on Petrovskaya Embankment.
There are several more lions lurking on the Petrograd side, we will find them. The first lion along the route is located on Kronversky Prospekt, 5, at the entrance to the St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University. Leo is a little sad, perhaps because he is not as popular as his brothers.
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Next lions, you will even find a pride at the entrance to Leningrad Zoo. This arrangement of sculptures and bas-reliefs is quite logical, especially since the zoo itself has living representatives of the cat family.
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The last lion on the Petrograd side, which was included in our route, is located on ship "Flying Dutchman", moored on Mytinskaya embankment. The restaurant ship itself is very nice, and from the vantage point from where the lion is visible, there is a beautiful view of the Neva waters and the Winter Palace.
We cross the Birzhevoy Bridge to Vasilyevsky Island and almost immediately, on 2 more lions are waiting for you on Makarov embankment guarding the pier. The calm lions look majestically at what is happening around them and, perhaps, are watching the success of Zenit, because it is in the direction of the stadium-training base of this team that their faces are turned.
The following lions very often appear in tourist photographs, although not in the main role, but in addition to the main composition. Granite bas-relief lions with metal rings in their teeth decorate Strelka Vasilyevsky Island , descent to the water. The panorama of Strelka is beautiful, but while enjoying the views, don’t forget about the lions that were once guarded main square foreign trade for almost 300 years.
Another very famous mythical lions of Vasilyevsky Island are, of course, sphinxes near the Academy of Arts on Universitetskaya embankment. Sphinxes are lions with the head of a man; in Ancient Egypt, the face of a sphinx is, as a rule, the face of a deceased pharaoh, whose eternal peace they guard. The St. Petersburg sphinxes were carved from syenite stone about 3.5 thousand years ago. And for a long time they served the one in whose honor they were created - Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep III. In 1830, at the height of the cultural craze Ancient Egypt in Europe, sphinxes put up for sale in the city of Alexandria were acquired by one of the members of the Imperial Academy of Sciences. In 1834 they took their place on the banks of the Neva. Regarding the general age of sphinxes, they visit St. Petersburg at all. But for thousands of tourists and lovers of mysticism, this is one of the centers of attraction. Be sure to meet the most “adult” residents of St. Petersburg too. And don’t forget that the pier is also decorated with sculptures of very cute winged lions, their noses, polished to a shine for good luck, glisten in the rays of the northern sun.
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Next we go to definitely the most popular lions of St. Petersburg. Two handsome men with balls, standing, or even more correctly, playing on the Palace Pier no one is left indifferent. There are always more than enough people who want to hug Leva. We do not recommend that you repeat tourist bad manners and try to climb them.
Firstly, this is a monument and it is destroyed by constant physical impact, and secondly, it is simply unsafe, the lions stand quite high. Look at them, smile at their majesty and seal them in your memory. These lions, decorating the descent to the Neva in front of the Admiralty, have been at their post since 1832; they are cast from copper using the embossing method.
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Now we go to two famous delightful foot bridges - Lion and Bankovsky. They both represent not only exceptional monuments of bridge-building architecture, but also incredibly bright, beautiful and elegant objects.
Both bridges span the Griboyedov Canal. Lions Bridge is located a little away from the main tourist trails, but Bankovsky is the undisputed “star” of photographs from St. Petersburg. Lions Bridge obviously got its name from the 4 lion statues that decorate the crossing. Bank Bridge, on which chains are held by lions with golden wings, was so named because of its proximity to the entrance of the State Assignment Bank. First, get to the Lions Bridge by a convenient route for you (on the way, it will probably be time for lunch, where you can organize it, see our Where to Eat section), and then along the historical canal embankment, reach the Bank Bridge. Both bridges, along with the Pochtamtsky Bridge, are also notable for the fact that there are only three chain bridges preserved in St. Petersburg. They were built in the first half of the 19th century.
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From Bankovsky Bridge, continuing along the embankment of the Griboyedov Canal, we will reach entrance to the Russian Museum. Here emasculated, stately white lions await us. The lions guarding the entrance to the Mikhailovsky Palace also have balls under their paws. Where does this symbol come from? - you might reasonably ask yourself during our walk. There are several versions of why lions are usually depicted with balls. According to one version, the ball is a symbol of the sun, knowledge, strength, something whole and significant. By placing it under the lion's paw, the sculptor once again emphasizes the majesty and highest origin of the beast. According to another version, balls help lions guard. Constantly holding the ball helps the lion not to fall asleep; if the lion dozes off, the paw will weaken, the ball will roll and fall.
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The next lions on the route are again unusual. They live in the Garden of Friendship on Liteiny Prospekt, 15. These are very young sculptures of lions, they settled in the city in 2003, they were donated by Shanghai, sister city, on the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg. The square itself, in which the lions are located, is very attractive and unusual, and if you are lucky enough to get there at the end of spring, then you will find not only lions, but also cherry blossoms in full bloom.
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The last point on the walking part of our walk is quite far away, but it is worth the walk. 29 lions- the largest population of these animals is located in stone in front of Bezborodko's dacha on Sverdlovskaya embankment.
The magnificent fence of the former dacha of a wealthy family consists entirely of lions, which hold a single chain in their mouths. The ensemble of the fence is charming and, thanks to the fact that the lions are cast iron, it is well preserved. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the house, which was once the center of the Polustrovo hydropathic resort. However, it’s definitely worth getting to this area to see a different St. Petersburg, no longer ceremonial and touristic, but residential and industrial. And lions, who have been serving happily for more than 200 years, will become your guides.
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Let's finish our lion's route at Elagin Island. It’s not by chance that we get there in the evening - we spend a mesmerizing sunset on the Western Spit of Elagin Island hugging lions. Elagin Island and Central Park culture and recreation named after. Kirov - favorite place recreation for St. Petersburg residents. Elagin Palace - the heart of Elagin Island, was the summer imperial residence and was built according to the design of D. Quarenghi at the end of the 18th century, rebuilt by C. Rossi during the reign of Alexander I. The palace is made in the Palladian style and looks very elegant and touching. Surrounded by greenery and an atmosphere of relaxation and smiles, but attracts even more. The central staircase is decorated with 2 lion statues. They fit harmoniously into the overall ensemble of the park and make you want to hug them in a friendly way and treat them to ice cream. 2 more lions are waiting for you on the Western Spit, as you remember, to see off this great day. If you are lucky with sunny weather, you will enjoy absolutely magical views and landscapes.
A huge number of lions “live” in St. Petersburg and its environs. You will meet them in Pavlovsk, where they are almost a symbol, and in Peterhof, and in the park Konstantinovsky Palace.
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Lions will have different faces, different poses, but everywhere they will serve one thing - protect you and make your holiday in St. Petersburg serene and happy.
Now the pier with lions is located on the Admiralty Embankment near the eastern pavilion of the Admiralty (next to the Palace Bridge). According to local historians and bloggers, these lions are the most famous lions of St. Petersburg.
After the last reconstruction, the pier with lions, located next to the Palace Bridge, forms a single architectural ensemble with its southern descent. The figures of lions are made by chasing from sheet copper; they were made in 1832 at the Alexander Iron Foundry in St. Petersburg. They were made by the master I. Prang based on the model of the sculptor I. P. Prokofiev. At the same factory, according to the drawings of the architect L. Charlemagne, cast iron pedestals with volutes were cast for the lions.
Description
The Palace Pier is a wide granite staircase leading down to the Bolshaya Neva. At the top of the stairs, rising above the level of the shore, there are granite pedestals of lions. The monotony of the vertical parallelepiped of the pedestal is divided by narrow projections. The staircase descent itself is limited on the sides by a parapet of embankments, which smoothly turns into a pedestal.
Lion in symbolism
Leo is called the "King of Beasts". A traditional symbol of power, embodying the power of the sun and fire.
In Egyptian mythology, it was a symbol of divine power and royal dignity; among the Assyrians and Greeks, lions were considered companions of goddesses; in early Christian art, the lion alternately symbolized St. Mark, St. Jerome and even Christ himself - as “the lion of the tribe of Judah.”
Lion models
A tripartite correspondence has been preserved between Karl Rossi, the director of the St. Petersburg Alexander Iron Foundry M. E. Clark and the Minister of the Imperial Court P. M. Volkonsky.
First, Rossi asked Clark about the possibility of making such statues, and then, apparently having received an answer, on October 20 he wrote to P. M. Volkonsky:
Report to the Minister of the Imperial Household:
(there are no good craftsmen at the factory, huh)...the perfection of the figures will depend on the art of preparing such models... it would be much better to order famous artists to make these models
In response, the minister invited the sculptor to examine and measure the marble lions of Triscorni, which are located at the entrance to the house of the War Ministry, in order to
The architect followed the minister’s instructions: he examined and even sketched the marble lions, but based on the results of the work, he expressed his categorically negative attitude towards the option imposed on him:
Quote from Carl Rossi:
... these lions, due to their smallness for this purpose, will show disgrace
After this, there was a rather long break in the design of the Palace Pier, the reasons for which remained unknown to historians.
Creation of sculptures
...the sovereign wants to know how much it will cost to cast two lions according to the model available at the plant...
These arguments from Clark moved the matter forward dead center: copper lions for the Palace Pier were created. They were made by the master I. Prang based on the model of the sculptor I. P. Prokofiev. Cast iron pedestals with volutes were cast for the lions at the same factory according to a drawing by the architect L. Charlemagne.
The Emperor ordered two lions to be made by chasing and four pedestals made of cast iron for the lions and vases
The lions were installed on the Palace Pier as a decoration in September 1832.
Preservation and restoration
The first information about the removal of lions from pedestals dates back to -1914 and is associated with the construction of the Palace Bridge. Historians logically assume that the removed lions were restored.
The preservation of the lions allowed them to continue decorating the Palace Pier while the most damaged monuments went for restoration.
The sculptures were sent to restoration workshops in the early 1950s: first one, and then the other, were sent for restoration and soon again decorated the Palace Pier.
Unscheduled restoration
The copper lion was sent to restoration workshops for urgent repairs. The funds necessary for this were provided to the Russian Party of Life, the project was supervised by the Chairman of the Federation Council, party leader Sergei Mironov.
The removal of the lion for restoration was staged as a theatrical performance. “Doctors”-restorers in white coats examined the sick lion, they bandaged him and loaded him with a crane onto a KAMAZ, draped under an ambulance. On the empty pedestal, the lion was replaced by people dressed as lions.
The restoration lasted about 3 months and cost about 300 thousand rubles.
During the restoration period, the place of the sculpture was first taken by a plastic copy - the “sunny” lion Boniface, painted by the participants of the Youth Eight. Subsequently, this lion was sold at auction for 1.5 million rubles, the money was transferred to the accounts of the Scientific and Practical Center for Assistance to HIV-Infected Children and Pregnant Women.
Later, on the pedestal there was a figure of a lion, assembled from balloons.
In 2007, a second sculpture was renovated as part of the same initiative. The restoration cost 262 thousand rubles and was completed by September 2007. A flat copy of a lion was placed on the pedestal.
Restoration work
Coating restoration technology includes clearing, priming and restoration itself. A feature of restoration work in St. Petersburg is that it is very important to treat sculptures with high quality, since the paint coating in our environment lasts no more than three to four years. During the work, traces of previous restoration work were revealed - many layers of paint were found on the sculptures. In addition, after cleaning the lion figures there were many holes and dents.
In addition to the complex of restoration work, the structure was strengthened with an internal tubular frame. Holes were cut into the shells of the hollow sculptures and brass tubes were installed.
The restorers are convinced of the strength of the created structure:
Now the sculptures will be difficult to break, of course, unless you hit them with a 10-kilogram sledgehammer!
The restoration team consisted of four people, and the same number participated in the dismantling. The work took about a month.
Lions in art
The very location of the lions, on the ceremonial Palace pier, surrounded by the buildings of the Admiralty and the Winter Palace, facing the Neva, led to the attention of artists.
The king of beasts at the crossing
Winged creatures
House with lions
Lions at Elagin Palace
Chinese lions Shih Tzu
Lion pack
Lions on the Palace Pier
Peterhof Lion
Northern Palmyra is inhabited by a variety of creatures: mysterious sphinxes look at passers-by from the embankments, variegated owls open their beaks from the walls of palaces, dragons beat their tails, bats, horses, and little Siskin-Pyzhik stand frozen in silence. There are also lions - there are a lot of giant cats in the cultural capital: plaster, marble, carved from granite, bright, faded, filigree, simple, modern and at least 200 years old. But first things first.
According to mythology, the lion is a leader and wise ruler, endowed with power, courage, courage and greatness. He personifies power, fire, the luminary of the day. Exactly when the fashion for decorating shelters and streets with predators arose is unknown: according to one version, this passion manifested itself during the reign of Peter I, who encountered similar stone creations in Europe. Superstitious Europeans in the Middle Ages came to the conclusion that lions are excellent guards, since they sleep with their eyes open, and therefore will not let demons under the roof. According to another theory, sculptural images of these animals became widespread in the nineteenth century, when Russian architects paid attention to Italian art and the work of ancient geniuses, who often carved lush manes, tenacious claws and powerful lean bodies from stone. Let's remember where in our region you can meet amazing creatures.
The king of beasts at the crossing
“Bridge with lions in St. Petersburg?” - this is about the pedestrian Lion Bridge, thrown across the Griboyedov Canal in the Admiralteysky district. The river crossing was built in 1825. During the same period of time, Academician Pavel Petrovich Sokolov took up the creation of alabaster forms for future monuments. Each of the noble beauties serves not only as decoration: the two-meter snow-white statues contain hidden mechanisms that hold the bridge span and the people on it. The stability of the structure is given by the weighty slabs that serve as the base of the levoshkas.
The suspended crossing was liked not only by local people: 10 years later, the German company Borsig erected a small copy of the bridge in Tiergarten, one of the parks in Berlin. The project was developed by urban planner Ludwig Hesse. You can still see this wooden structure today.
Winged creatures
The beloved lions with wings in St. Petersburg are located on the Bank Bridge. In fact, they are often called griffins, but there are also those who disagree with this term, because according to legend, these fairy-tale characters had the head of a bird, but the sculptures on the Griboedov Canal do not have such a feature.
The opening of the Bank Bridge took place 25 days after the launch of the Lion's Bridge; the same architects and sculptors were involved in the construction of the elegant structure. The principle of the device is the same as that of its older brother: the exquisite spans are held by chain links, which are reinforced in the sculptures. Here you can admire not only the magical griffin lions, but also the landscapes: from the deck there is a magnificent view of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Kazan Cathedral and the Singer House, emerald plantings around gray granite and calm, slightly greenish ripples of water, in which proud guardians of justice are reflected .
House with lions
Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin wrote about them in his poem “The Bronze Horseman”: “The guard lions stood with raised paws, as if alive.” Of course, we are talking about amazing guards who hold sloping paws stone balls at the Lobanov-Rostovsky House on St. Isaac's Square. Unique individuals, striking with their graceful and majestic appearance, were born in Italy: master Paolo Triscorni worked under the southern sun to create chiseled lines.
In the 21st century in elegant palace complex, which was designed by the famous architect Auguste Montferrand, is a deluxe hotel whose guests are guarded every night by noble cats.
Lions at Elagin Palace
At the delightful Elagin Palace, on granite pedestals, there are two cast-iron sculptures of lions, whose paws rest on hemispheres. From a distance they seem to be twins: a shock of shaggy hair, a mysterious half-grin, half-smile, but if you look at the figures closer, the differences will become obvious: they exist both in position and in appearance. They were manufactured in 1822 at the St. Petersburg State Foundry.
Chinese lions Shih Tzu
These unusual sculptures were petrified on Petrovskaya Embankment not far from the house of Peter the Great. Massive figures weighing 2.5 tons come from Manchuria: they moved to their new place of residence in 1907, when they were presented to Petrograd as a gift.
In China, frog lions are required to guard the family hearth, and therefore are carved and installed at least in pairs. The lion father, as the head of the dynasty, holds a ball symbolizing light, knowledge, wealth, and his companion, the lion mother, supports the lion cub: the open mouth of the wife of the head of the animal kingdom drives away evil spirits from her child, who will continue the family line.
Initially, it was assumed that the freedom-loving predators would decorate the temple-oratory of General Chan in the Chinese city of Girin, but after the death of the official, the newly-minted governor decided to present the lions as a gift to the Amur Governor-General Nikolai Ivanovich Grodekov, who, in turn, transferred them to the capital of the Russian Empire.
Other favorite oriental animals that have settled in St. Petersburg are the Shanghai lions, presented to the city for its 300th anniversary. They live in the Garden of Friendship on Liteiny Prospekt.
Lion pack
The largest population of these graceful representatives of the cat family can be found in front of Bezborodko's dacha on the Sverdlovskaya embankment. 29 lions are connected by a heavy cast iron chain. The mansion itself was built back in 1773-1777, but was then rebuilt several times. Stone guards were installed in front of the manor at the beginning of the 19th century. The possible author of the sculptures is considered to be Nikolai Aleksandrovich Lvov.
By the way, in the 70s of the 20th century, the film “The Incredible Adventures of Italians in Russia” was filmed near the luxurious dacha. The heroes of the film tried to find the treasure under the lions! Remember this moment?
Lions on the Palace Pier
However, according to local historians, the most popular lions in the city are the brave creatures near the Admiralty pavilion. Cast iron sculptures stand on high pedestals, turning their large shaggy heads towards each other. Their mouths are bared, either in a terrible roar, or in a satisfied rumbling, sharp, terrifying fangs stick out... Powerful muscular bodies are frozen in a tense pose, one paw with extended claws rests on a ball.
By the way, about balls - many of the royal animals are actually depicted with a sphere under their paw, and there is an explanation for this. The fact is that lions are called upon to protect a person’s home from the encroachment of evil forces. But what happens if the guard falls asleep? For such a case, a ball is needed: when the lion plunges into the longed-for slumber and relaxes a limb, the ball begins to roll. Feeling the movement, the King of all animals throws off the shackles of sleep in order to continue to observe his service.
The lions that can be seen on the Palace Pier were present in the very first projects of this location, the development of which was carried out by the architect Luigi Rusca in 1717. However, the sculptures were sculpted only a hundred years later: in 1832, master Prang, based on the model of the sculptor I. P. Prokofiev, created the now famous images. In September of the same year they decorated the pier, where they remain to this day.
These lions, it should be noted, were taken away for restoration several times: tourists and St. Petersburg residents themselves love to climb onto the backs of the statues. Thus, one of the last unscheduled reconstructions took place in 2006, when multiple cracks appeared along the torso of one of the animals: probably, a clumsy rider broke the thin sheet of copper from which the lions are made. “Rescuers” quickly arrived at the scene of the incident: restorers dressed in white medical coats examined their non-trivial “patient”, carefully bandaged the mutilated torso, and then, using a crane, loaded him onto a KAMAZ, which was disguised as an ambulance. While the monument was forced to undergo a health course in the workshop, its place was taken by a yellow plastic copy - the lion “Boniface”. When the substitute was sold, a miracle of balloons was installed in the empty space.
The image of this pair of “court” lions can be found on the 2003 coins, which were minted for the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg.
Peterhof Lion
Another famous lion is part of the central fountain of Peterhof - “Samson tearing the mouth of the lion”. However, what we see is not the original of the monumental statue: it was lost during the devastating Great Patriotic War. The restored ensemble, on which sculptors V. Simonov and N. Mikhailov worked, was opened in 1947.
Of course, these are not all the predatory inhabitants of our region: several silent exhibits can also be found in front of building number 12 on Admiralteysky Prospekt, near the Russian Museum, on the Western Spit of Elagin Island and in other quarters.
It is worth adding that, as is the case with many others mystical creatures, many legends and superstitions are associated with lions. For example, there is a popular belief in society that if you kiss a lion, he will give you good luck in love and pursuits! And some of them are able to make wishes come true: just rub the lion’s paw or nose, walk around the statue, and then whisper to it about your most cherished dream.
Music: Jean - Yves Thibaudet - Love Letters
St. Petersburg can well be called the lion city,
after all, these representatives of the cat family -
from cast iron, plaster, marble and copper -
A great multitude scattered along the streets of St. Petersburg!
* * *
At Kushelev's dacha - Bezborodko.
right there...
I heard somewhere that the building is guarded by 22 lions.
For some reason I counted 24, namely:
on one side there are 12, and I mean that on the other - the same...))
How many are there really?
Here's what one official source says:
"29 cast-iron lions sat in one long row along the metal lattice fencing the territory of the former
estate of A.G. Kushelev-Bezborodko.
The lion portcullis was built in the late 1790s at the same time as the pier, guarded by four sphinxes.
The lions are located near house No. 40 on Polyustrovskaya embankment.
Previously, they held a cast-iron chain in their mouths." ...... How awesome!))
Bank bridge on the Griboyedov Canal
A little bit of history:
Myself suspension bridge was built in 1825-1826 according to the design of Wilhelm von Tretter. And the bridge owes the appearance of griffins to P.P. Sokolov.
Now the question arises. Why were griffins placed on the Bank Bridge?
The fact is that the bridge is located in front of the building of the former Assignation Bank. And according to mythology, the duty of griffins is to guard treasures. So these lions with eagle wings guarded the gold reserves of the Russian State. By the way, there is a belief among the townspeople that if you rub the griffin’s paw, wealth will not pass you by.
I suggest checking it out if necessary. ;) If this is true, then in the very near future you will be able to buy a tour to Dombay and spend an unforgettable vacation there.))
right there... 
Right there...
Bank bridge -
one of most beautiful places St. Petersburg, isn't it?))
* * * * *
Palace pier.
The very first king of beasts arrived in St. Petersburg back in 1722
from Venice - Peter I ordered it for a sculpture symbolizing the victory of Russia over Sweden (this monument is still displayed in the Summer Garden).
But most of the lion sculptures appeared in St. Petersburg in the 19th century - then it was fashionable for homeowners to decorate the gates or steps of mansions with a couple of respectable animals. In addition to houses, predators guard the descents to the Neva and numerous bridges,
however, the most famous St. Petersburg lions settled
In 1832 on the Palace Pier opposite the Admiralty.
These copper sculptures were made according to the drawings of Carlo Rossi, and since they are paired, they are not boring - especially since the creators provided them with balls that you can play with when no one is looking.
But in front of witnesses, lions behave very seriously:
they release their claws and bare their teeth.
* * *
Palace pier.
Admiralty Embankment, next to the Palace Bridge.
right there...
right there...
right there...
* * *
Lion Bridge at Malaya Podyacheskaya Street,
Griboedov Canal
there
right there...
right there...
* * *
Shuvalovsky Park, building 1
right there...
In Peterhof
Datsan. Primorsky Avenue, 91.
Shi-Dza (Chinese lion from Manjuria).
Petrovskaya Embankment, next to the Museum "House of Peter the Great"
Manezhnaya Square, Karavannaya Street, building 1.
On Malaya Sadovaya at the entrance to the Vietnamese restaurant "Mekong"
University embankment.
* * *
****
Moika Embankment, 59,
Eliseevsky Palace Hotel
Ibid.
***
Makarova embankment, building 4
there
there
* * *
Nevsky Prospekt, 72,
at the entrance to the "Red Terem" hotel
* * *
Pavlovsk is a suburb of St. Petersburg.
Large stone staircase.
right there...
there
* * *
Veteranov Avenue, 109.
G. Pushkin is a suburb of St. Petersburg.
Guard lion on St. Isaac's Square.
* * *
Russian Ethnographic Museum.
A gift from the State of Israel to St. Petersburg for the 300th anniversary of the city.
Sculpture: length - 3m, width - 2.5 m, height - 2 m
At the Elagin Palace.
Near the building of the Nikolaev Military Academy.
/the author of the photo claims that this is the only LYING lion in St. Petersburg.
But as things progressed, I became convinced that this was not the case!)) /
* * *
Russian Museum, also known as Mikhailovsky Castle
right there... 
right there...
* * *
But here are several lions, whose addresses are unknown to me,
or the lions are simply unrecognized.
I would be grateful if you could tell me!))
№ 1
№ 2
№ 3
№ 4
At the entrance of some cafe...
...pathetic parody! But this is a personal opinion...
* * * Lions on the facade of buildings. * * *
Unfortunately, I cannot provide all addresses.
Let's just admire it!
Coat of arms of Yusupov at the Yusupov Palace
Kamennoostorovsky prospect, house 9\2
...however, the grille of the bridge...(but which one? - Tell me!)
He was nicknamed "The Kissing Lion"))
I don't remember the address exactly. It seems to be on Petropavlovka..
(Who knows, tell me!)
But what about sphinxes and griffins?
Let's classify them as lions too!))
Two lions on Admiralteyskaya embankment near the Palace Bridge are the most famous lions of St. Petersburg. They are installed to the right and left of the descent to the Neva. From the moment the city was built, the Admiralty played an important role in its life. Here ships descended on the Neva, and raw materials were supplied through these gates. The sculptures of a lion, made in 1832 in St. Petersburg at the Aleksandrovsky Iron Foundry, are empty inside, and made by chasing from sheet copper. Based on the model of the sculpture of I. P. Prokofiev, they were made by master I. Prang. Cast iron pedestals according to the drawings of the architect L. Charlemagne were cast at the same factory. During the Great Patriotic War, the lions remained in their places. They were practically unharmed. According to one of the legends about St. Petersburg, the place around the Admiralty has an unusual aura, unusual energy, so walking here is good for your health. Perhaps this unusual energy saved the lions from fascist shells during the harsh war years of 1941-1945. However, in 2006, specialists 
discovered damage to famous sculptures. The back of the sculpture of the lion closest to the Palace Bridge could not withstand the numerous people who liked to sit on its back and caved in. Experts suggested installing a durable frame inside the sculpture. IN 
In 2007, the sculpture of the second lion was restored. When restoring St. Petersburg sculptures, it is very important to carefully treat the surface, because the paint and varnish coating lasts 3-4 years in the St. Petersburg climate. /Sergey Scriabin, Russia, Kaliningrad/
