The massive and now ephemeral presence of the hotel never succeeded in dissipating the charming atmosphere on this street lined by the former Merchants’ Court and numerous churches and palaces. Known since the 12C, Ulitsa Varvarka attracted silk merchants in the 14C and the inhabitants of Pskov who built a church here. Later the street acquired its aristocratic look from the ambassadors’ residences (of which only the English Court remains) and palaces built by boyars.