When you go on a tour to Moscow you will surely be invited to see the Novodevichy convent, which is one of the most popular sights in Moscow. The convent has a very old history, dating back to the 16-th century. Novodevichy Convent was founded in 1524 by Grand Prince Vasili III. It was built as a fortress and became one of the monasteries in the southern belt of the capital. The monastery had been given several villages and money from the first day of foundation. By the end of the 17-th century the Novodevichy Convent owned about thirty-six villages, twenty-seven uyezds and about 15 thousand peasants.
In the first half of the 20-th century, more precisely in 1922, the Novodevichy Convent was closed by the Bolsheviks. The cathedral of the Novodevichy Convent was closed a little bit later in 1929. To prevent the convent from being destroyed it was first turned into a Museum of Woman’s Emancipation and then into the state Historical Museum.
Novodevichy Convent is also known for its Novodevichy cemetery. Many prominent people of Russia were buried there, among them great Russia writer Anton Chekov, Nikolai Gogol and Boris Yeltsin.
Some of Russian river cruises not far from Novodevichy so you may be able to see some of its churches from the deck of the ship.
In 2004 the Novodevichy Convent was included in the heritage of the UNESCO Heritage organization for the fact that it remained intact since 17-th century. Enhance your Russian travel experience Russia with a visit to this very special place.
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