Events such as the Revolution of 1917 or the Siege of Leningrad during World War II have left a deep imprint on the memory of the city. 24 essays invite readers to explore the past of St. Petersburg, away from the beaten tourist paths: to the sites of former German and Jewish life, along the grand street of Moskovsky Prospect, to the locations of Bolshevik mass rallies, into the infamous police department, as well as into gardens, cinemas, and apartments. Through these places, the history of the city and its inhabitants unfolds in a vibrant mosaic.