In the early 2000s, Peter Pomerantsev came to Moscow to work in the fast-growing television industry. He was perfectly placed to witness the transformation of the New Russia on its journey from communist collapse to a new form of dictatorship.

"Old walls and doors know something we can't understand... the true nature of time." Peter tours the city's hidden courtyards and side streets with Mozayev, a 'guardian spirit' of Old Moscow and self-proclaimed defender of its fast-disappearing historic architecture.


Written by Peter Pomerantsev

Read by Justin Salinger

Abridged by Robin Brooks

Produced by Kirsteen Cameron

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2015. Show less