摘要:On the basis of numerous archival and published materials and data, project ideas and the real history of the formation and development of the historical center of Saint-Petersburg on the Gorodskoy Island (in 1703-1720), Vasilyevsky Island (in 1721-1730) and on the Admiralteyskaya side (since the 1730s) are considered as stages of gradual crystallization of various spatial concepts of the capital’s development. The structure of the city center that changed over time is revealed. The results of the study: a fairly clear correspondence is shown between the stages of development of spatial and structural ideas and the transfer of the capital’s center to new territories, depending on changes in the state’s prestigious landmarks.