Overview:

is a convent of the Russian Orthodox Church located on the bank of the Moskva River. It is one of the most important cultural and religious monuments of Moscow and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in 1524 as an important centre of Moscow. It has beautiful Baroque churches and 5 golden-domed cathedrals, and also contains cloisters, burial chambers, and a huge walled garden. The convent also houses a number of museums, including the Museum of Archery and Crossbow, and the Museum of Russian Architecture. The convent is also noted for its ornate wall-hangings from the 18th century, and the murals in its churches, which are some of the finest examples of iconography in Russia. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Russia
Prominent Features:

1. Integrated Architectural Complex: The Novodevichy Convent is a particularly well preserved example of an integrated architectural ensemble with a wealth of art and architectural heritage that dates back to the mid-16th century. 2. Cultural Significance: The convent has had a long history of being closely related to the government and the court of the tsars. It has played an important role in Russian history and culture, for example, it served as a political prison and a haven for religious exiles. 3. Iconography: The walls of the convent are decorated with many beautiful frescoes and icons, including several works by the renowned artist Theophanes the Greek. 4. Landscape: The grounds of the convent are surrounded by a wall and feature a bell tower, several chapels, and the grave of Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, the sister of Emperor Alexander II. 5. Garden: The convent also has a beautiful garden area with views of the Moscow River and the walled Kremlin to the north. 6. Cultural Landmark: The convent is a very important cultural landmark and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Russia.

History:

The Novodevichy Convent, or the New Maidens’ Monastery, is an important cultural site located in southeastern Moscow. It was founded in 1524 by Grand Prince Vasili III of Moscow as a defensive fortification on the south-east of the Moscow Kremlin. Throughout its long history, the monastery has served many purposes, from a prison for political prisoners to a refuge for the elite. The Novodevichy Convent was declared a conservation area in 1719 and was the first of its kind in Russia. The monastery houses a number of historic and religious monuments, including the 93-meter bell tower, the Church of the Intercession (known as the “Cathedral of the Virgin”) and a large cemetery with many historical figures. The monastery quickly grew to become a powerful spiritual and cultural center, becoming an important place for many grand princes, tzars, and their families. Ivan the Terrible was especially fond of the convent and felt its architecture represented the Orthodox faith. The convent was desecrated and looted during the Time of Troubles in Russia in the 1500s. In the 1600s, Tsar Peter the Great wanted the convent to be re-instated as a place of culture and learning. During this time, many religious and secular buildings were added, including a palace, a school, a library, and other important structures. After the October Revolution in 1917, the convent was secularized, and many of the religious structures and objects were lost or destroyed. However, the convent’s walls and church were preserved. Today, the Novodevichy Convent is an officially declared cultural heritage site and has become a source of spiritual renewal for the Russian Orthodox Church. Visit one of the famous monuments of Russia with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

: 1. The Novodevichy Convent is located in the south of Moscow, Russia and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Moscow. 2. It was founded in 1524 by Tsar Vasily III to commemorate the victory of Moscow forces over those of the Crimean Khanate during the Greater Moscow campaign. 3. This convent is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as an object of cultural and historical significance. 4. It has 21 churches and chapels that are part of its complex. 5. The current residence for the nuns and monks living in the convent is Filaret’s House – the restored home of Tsar Filaret Romanov, who gave away his house to the convent in 1622. 6. On the north side of the fortress, there is a small cemetery where many famous Russian figures are buried, such as Chekhov, Gogol, and many more. 7. Every year the convent holds an annual festival that is attended by thousands of people celebrating Russian culture and art. 8. The convent's walls are considered to be the best-preserved defensive walls in Russia and are 10-12 meters thick and 25-35 meters tall. 9. The Novodevichy Convent also has a 40-meter bell tower, which was built in the 16th century and was the tallest building in Moscow at the time. 10. An interesting fact about the Novodevichy Convent is that the building’s walls have a secret passage leading to the cemetery outside the walls of the convent. One of the historical monuments of Russia, it tells the story of a bygone era