Nevsky Prospekt, Basseynaya Street, Moika, Vasilyevsky Island, New Holland... - these names have long since gained worldwide fame. But why did they appear and what were these and other iconic places of St. Petersburg called before, how did the city on the Neva develop, how did it grow, change, and how was this reflected in the names of its streets, avenues, squares, embankments - you can find answers to these and other questions in our book. For the convenience of the reader, the articles are placed in alphabetical order and are often supplemented with a list of cultural objects. The book was written by famous local historians, members of the Toponymic Commission of St. Petersburg.