On the Neva's Banks and on the Seven Hills. Secrets, Culture, History and the Eternal Rivalry of Moscow and Saint Petersburg

Shawarma or shavarma? A front entrance or an apartment stairwell? A curb or a gutter border? And why does it matter to anyone at all? This book will answer all the questions that have been worrying you about the eternal rivalry between Moscow and St. Petersburg! With it, you’ll peek into the secret corners of the history of Moscow and St. Petersburg—specifically their shared history of unrelenting rivalry: cultural contradictions and the common context of many eras. The author conveys all of this both through detailed historical notes about the founders and architects of the two capitals and through clever lyrical digressions about ghosts, gastronomy, and football. And of course, where would we be without monuments and museums? If you want to discover Moscow and St. Petersburg, this book is for you. And if you think you already know everything, we recommend you get it to be pleasantly surprised!