Varvarka Street was named after the ancient church of the Great Martyr Barbara. This saint had an extraordinary life: the only daughter of a wealthy Phoenician, she rejected all the proposals of the grooms and, contrary to the pagan beliefs of her family, converted to Christianity, which was very angered me. The most brutal torture did not frighten her, after which she was executed by her own father. Then Varvara received her title of Great Martyr in Christianity, and her church on Varvarka is especially revered by Muscovites.

The first building of the church was built in the 14th century under the direction of Italian master Aleviz Novy. The current building belongs to Moscow architect Rodion Kazakov. The new building appeared at the end of the 18th century. It has survived wars and revolutions and has been restored several times. In 2014-2015, as a result of restoration, the temple returned to its original appearance.