Each time I visit Moscow I learn something interesting. As my colleague and I strolled from Zamoskovorechye to the Gorky House we stopped at the "Bridge of Kisses”
Russian tradition requires newly married couples to kiss on a bridge on their wedding day. However, Moscow is not a city that one would link to romance. Who would have guessed that Moscow would house a bridge so famous for holding memories of newlyweds?
The "Bridge of Kisses” over the Moskva River, is in the shadow of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and just in front of the Pushkin Museum, quite literally. On the bridge are the locks with the names of the lovers and their bonds of love. What began as a few couples trying to stand out soon turned into a tradition and a mandatory ceremony on a couples’ wedding day. When the police in Moscow could not resist the crowds of lovers, they decided to plant their own "trees” made of metal.
The ritual is simple: a lock, engraved or painted with the lovers’ names and their vows, is attached to the tree. The lovers then throw the key to the lock into the river, symbolizing fidelity and everlasting love. A wide variety of locks can be seen; locks to match every couple’s particular taste. From big to small, purple and black to the classic pink and white, heart shaped to square locks- any lock you can possibly imagine can be found on the bridge. The access point to this scenic pedestrian is at the Prechistinskaya Embankment. An example of a tour that would include this bridge is a day tour of the Pushkin Museum which includes a walk across this bridge.
Locks, no matter how rusted, are a beautiful symbol of safety, security, and eternity. It cannot be denied that this bridge is an excellent sight in the city. This tender tradition is one which can help restore your faith in humanity. Take your true love, share a kiss, or even add a lock of your own, but the "Bridge of Kisses” is a sight that should not be missed! The "Bridge of Kisses” over the Moskva River, is in the shadow of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and just in front of the Pushkin Museum.
I travel the world in my role as pilot and tour planner I cannot remember seeing anything like this, except on the bridge behind the Church on Spilled Blood, in St. Petersburg.
Author: Steve Fowler is a pilot for an American legacy airline and tour planner for www.RussianTourGuide.com and www.MyRomeTourGuide.com | 
