The book described in detail construction historic center of St. Petersburg on the plans and projects to actual implementation. The city's history is intertwined with the history of human life, it is shown how they affect each other: military necessity to strengthen the city and the everyday needs of the citizens, the accession to the throne and the desire to capture in stone the victory of the troops, promotion and construction of new residences, destruction and sale of property . The author focuses on the house of Princess MA Shakhovskoy: its history, architectural features.