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Moscow’s Novodevichy Convent: Dramatic Architecture and History

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Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery is one of the more interesting places we visited in Moscow. Historically, it has close ties to the Kremlin. Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, it is interwoven in Russia’s political, cultural, and religious history. Novodevichy is Russia’s only convent that served as both an ancient nunnery and a fortress. Today it is a working religious institution and tourist destination. Its New Cemetery is considered one of the most prestigious in the city.

It was the women who came here to “take the veil” that fascinated us the most. From the 16th-18th centuries, women from the tsarist dynasty, as well as other wealthy and nobility families, were sent here to “retire” and for their protection, many against their will.

Novodevichy features eight cathedrals and six residential or service buildings. The Novodevichy ensemble is a UNESCO world heritage site since 2004.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk at the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow Russia
Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk is the oldest building in the compound (1524-25), although the onion domes were added a century later. Moscow’s Cathedral of the Assumption was the inspiration for the stone cathedral.
Gate-Church of the Transfiguration in Novodevichy Convent in Moscow Russia
Gate-Church of the Transfiguration.
Novodevichy Convent in Moscow Russia
Another example Moscow-Baroque architecture.
Octagonal bell tower at Novodevichy Convent
The octagonal bell tower was built 1689-90. It was being restored in 2015 when it caught fire. It appears that only the scaffolding updated and the beautiful tower left unharmed.
Sundial on the wall of Novodevichy Convent in Moscow Russia
A seventeen-century sundial on the wall still tells us the time.
Refectory at Novodevichy Convent in Moscow Russia
Another view of the Refectory.
One of eleven towers along the wall surrounding Novodevichy Convent in Moscow Russia
In total, there are eleven towers along the wall surrounding the fortress. The four in the corners are round.
Interior of one the buildings at Novodevichy Convent in Moscow Russia
Interior of one of the buildings.
Angel statue at Novodevichy Convent in Moscow Russia
Angel statue in the cemetery.
Tombs in the cemetery at Novodevichy Convent in Moscow Russia
Tombs in the old cemetery.

Practical Information:

  • Located on the south-western side of the city, Novodevichy Convent is accessible via the Moscow Metro.
  • Dress respectfully if you are planning to enter any of the churches, women should have head and shoulders covered, while men should wear long pants.
  • Hours vary and can change on any given day. The museum is generally open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm, and the grounds from 7 am to 7 pm. However, it is best to check before you go.
  • There’s an interesting historical article on Moscow.Info.
  • We planned our own days in Moscow and found Lonely Planet Moscow City Guide to be very helpful. If you prefer a tour, we have been impressed with Viator in other cities, and they offer several tours in Moscow.
  • We stayed at the Moscow Marriot, and they provided us with the sponsorship paperwork we need for our Russian tourist visa. Most of the better hotels will do this. Check prices and availability at Booking.com.

Have you been to the Novodevichy Convent?

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Octagonal bell tower at Novodevichy Convent

Gate-Church of the Transfiguration in Novodevichy Convent in Moscow Russia

 

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About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Travel Tuesday

    Lovely shots, Rhonda. Brings back happy memories of our visit there.
    Thanks for sharing in the Travel Tuesday meme. I hope to see more of your photos this week.

    Reply

  3. Lisa

    I am so very jealous you were able to visit Moscow. It is on my dream bucket list. The colors there are just mouth dropping beautiful, and then throw in the architecture. WOW!

    This convent is really neat. I have never seen pictures of it before so I feel like I have been on a little trip today.

    Lisa @ LTTL

    Reply

  7. kelleyn rothaermel

    You sure get around! I went to these Russia about 15 years ago. Went to Smolensk and Moscow. Saw some of these buildings.

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      I don’t get around quite as fast as it appears, I am just updating the blog with several sets of photos that never made it in.

      Reply

  10. JM Illinois U.S.A.

    Russia, I think, has the most beautiful architecture. Your photos are beautiful. Thanks for including information along with images.

    Reply

  12. Hilary Melton-Butcher

    Hi Rhonda – fantastic photos and place … I’d never heard of it before … but then I haven’t visited Moscow … it’s on my list if I go! Cheers Hilary

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      The most difficult part is getting the Visa. I would recommend going to everywhere you might ever want to visit in Russia in one trip so you don’t need a second visa.

      Reply

  17. Lexa Cain

    Fabulous photos! It’s weird to think about a nunnery also being a fortress, since soldiers to man it wouldn’t be allowed in a convent. Amazing to think one of those buildings was built in the 1500s. Thanks!

    Reply

  25. Nano

    Love your imagery of the place, it truly is an impressive place. I’ve been to Russian a few times and architecture never fails to impress everywhere you go(especially in St. Petersburg!). Did you see Moscow’s metro stations that look like opulent galleries? xoxo, nano

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      I can’t believe we didn’t go to St. Petersburg. The visa was so expensive and such a pain to get I can’t imagine we will ever go back to Russia again.

      Reply

  30. Andrea

    Wow, how beautiful your photos are. I only see landscapes and photos there from blogs, will not be able to go there at all. So thank you so much for the tour.

    Reply

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