In "Notes on Moscow," the diplomat of the Holy Roman Empire, Sigismund von Herberstein, mentions: "Not far from the fortress is a large house surrounded by walls, called the merchants' court, where merchants live and store their goods." This is the first known mention of the famous Moscow Guest Court, which became the center of trade in the capital as early as the 15th century. The complex was surrounded by high white walls with gates, above which rose an octagonal tower with a giant gilded eagle. Under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, the Embassy Order was also located here, where diplomats resolved important state issues.

However, the Guest Court was not renovated for a long time. Everything changed in 1786 when the building collapsed due to prolonged rains. This was a serious incident, resulting in the destruction of 15 shops, burying two merchants under the rubble. The project for the new complex was developed by the famous architect Giacomo Quarenghi. During construction, the peculiarities of Moscow's streets were taken into account: the corners of the Guest Court were rounded to make it easier for passersby to navigate the narrow streets of Kitai-Gorod. By the early 19th century, there were more than 700 shops, warehouses, and stores here, where one could buy everything from goose feathers to exotic fruits.

An interesting urban legend is associated with this place. One evening, a merchant was passing by the Guest Court when he encountered a trader persistently offering leftover raisins at a discount. The merchant refused, but later, at home, he came up with the idea of selling leftover goods at reduced prices on certain days. Thus, an equivalent of "Black Fridays" appeared in Russia.

Trade in the Guest Court completely ceased during the Soviet period. During the Great Patriotic War, its premises were used as a temporary bomb shelter. The reconstruction of the old complex began only in 1996. Interestingly, during the examination of the court, archaeologists discovered a treasure that included silver coins and Western European thalers.