The book presents a unique material on the military history of St. Petersburg. In thematic essays, the author tells about the birth and development of the city as a military capital. A wide panorama of the life of military Petersburg arises before the reader: a little-known history of the military administration, military industry, military educational institutions, regimental churches and chapels, monuments to the glory of Russian weapons. Particular attention is paid to the Russian Imperial Guard, as well as army and special units. The description of the life of the military Petersburg creates a vivid picture of the past, allowing you to look at history not only from a chronological, but also from a cultural point of view. The book is illustrated with rare photographs and reproductions of paintings from archives and private collections, as well as excerpts from memoirs of contemporaries. It can be useful for teachers and students of secondary schools, cadets of military educational institutions, history students, as well as a wider range of readers.