This is a book-reflection about St. Petersburg. What is the meaning and purpose of St. Petersburg? Why was it founded and why exactly here, at the very mouth of the Neva? What is the role of this city in the history of Russia, its place in Europe and the world? How have the image and character of the Northern capital transformed over time? How is St. Petersburg represented in literature, painting, music over different eras, and how did the residents themselves see it? What is the significance of the intelligentsia for the formation of urban identity? What is “St. Petersburg style”? What future awaits the second capital of Russia? This is the range of main topics raised by the author. Without exaggeration, this work can be regarded as a continuation of the famous book by Nikolai Antsiferov “The Soul of St. Petersburg” (1922). The publication is addressed to everyone who is interested in the history of Russia and the Northern capital.