Communal Living in Russia: Photos
Archive: Stairwells and balconies: Doorbells on an apartment door
  Summary
  There are several bells at the door to the apartment, but it is not clear who they belong to. 2002.
  Basic Facts and Background
  When: 2002

Where: Part of the main door to a large communal apartment, home to over 20 people, in a prestigious part of the historical center of St. Petersburg.

What: Three doorbells, belonging to different tenants. Usually these are marked with the name of the owner. Perhaps potential visitors know that already. Judging by the ash above the left bell, somebody burned a piece of paper with a name on it.

Often there is also a "common" bell to which all residents respond. Individuals have their own number of rings (Ivanovs, one ring; Petrovs, two rings, and so forth). See the common bell next to the door of this same apartment.

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