The views are also just as amazing. The neighborhood got its name when gold rushers found seven Cyrillic-inscribed gravestones at the top of the hill. Theories on who these Russian men were range from warship sailors to fur trappers, but consensus was never reached. The gravestones disappeared in the late 1800s, and today the Russian influence has dissipated.
Receptions are frequent and open to the public.
A black and white darkroom is also available in the basement for hourly or monthly rental. Between Hyde and Leavenworth streets. Although the bursting hydrangeas along Lombard Street are pretty, there are better places to enjoy the outdoors. The Alice Marble Park , at Greenwich and Larkin streets, is a block away and affords a stunning view of the neighborhood's historical houses. With its sweeping views of the Bay, North Beach, Bay Bridge and lower Financial District, it's also a favorite, lesser-known spot to watch fireworks.