Smolensky Cathedral
Eastern Orthodox church building in Khamovniki District, Russia.
Plizio Visual Lab
Novodevichy Convent
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
The Novodevichy Convent, located in southwestern Moscow, is an outstanding ensemble of the so-called Moscow Baroque and one of the best-preserved monasteries in Russia. It was founded in 1524 by Grand Prince Vasily III to celebrate the recapture of the city of Smolensk from the Lithuanians. For centuries, the convent served as a spiritual retreat for noblewomen from the families of Tsars and Boyars, who were often exiled there involuntarily, including Princess Sophia, the half-sister of Peter the Great. The central Smolensky Cathedral, located within the fortified walls, is renowned for its valuable 16th-century frescoes. Of particular historical significance is the adjacent Novodevichy Cemetery, which ranks among the most elite burial sites in Russia; prominent figures resting there include writers Anton Chekhov and Mikhail Bulgakov, composer Dmitri Shostakovich, and politicians such as Boris Yeltsin.
- Location: Russia
- Nearby: Moscow (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -10 | -9 | -4 | 5 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 17 | 12 | 5 | -2 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 47 | 42 | 42 | 48 | 83 | 79 | 87 | 71 | 62 | 67 | 54 | 51 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Novodevichy Convent is one of Moscow's most famous monasteries, a prime example of Moscow Baroque. The cathedrals, the bell tower and the adjacent cemetery are open to visitors, the convent grounds are freely walkable.
Typical hours
The convent grounds are open daily 9:00-18:00, the museums inside are usually open 10:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Holiday hours may differ, please check ahead.
Photography
Photography without flash and tripod is allowed in the convent courtyard and churches. The white walls and red towers, as well as the pretty pond, offer excellent exterior shots.
Time needed
Allow 1.5-2 hours for visiting the convent complex including a stroll through the park and cemetery. Those who want to explore the icon museum and exhibitions may spend up to 3 hours.
Combine with
Combine the convent visit with the Luzhniki Sports Complex and Novodevichy Park. Nearby is also Moscow State University on Sparrow Hills, which provides an excellent view.
Getting there
The Novodevichy Convent is reachable by Metro, stations 'Sportivnaya' or 'Frunzenskaya' are about 10-15 minutes on foot. By bus or taxi you drive directly to the main gate.
Insider tip
Visit the Novodevichy Cemetery, where many famous figures like Chekhov and Shostakovich are buried. A small map at the entrance helps locate the celebrities' graves.
Geography
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Novodevichy Convent (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are churches open daily?
Usually 10am-5pm, except Thursdays.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees should be covered.
Is the cemetery open?
The adjacent cemetery is usually open to visitors.
How long is the tour?
About 1.5 to 2 hours for the convent grounds.
Are there English tours?
Yes, these usually need to be booked in advance.
Novodevichy Convent: where is it located?
Novodevichy Convent is located in Russia.
Novodevichy Convent: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Novodevichy Convent: why is it worth visiting?
The Novodevichy Convent, located in southwestern Moscow, is an outstanding ensemble of the so-called Moscow Baroque and one of the best-preserved monasteries in Russia.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Russia →
Nearby cities
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and a major global center for politics, economics, and culture.
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and served as the capital of the Russian Empire for a long time.
Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod is situated at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers.
Rostov-on-Don
Rostov-on-Don is a port city in southern Russia and a major gateway to the Caucasus.
Voronezh
Voronezh is a major city in southwestern Russia, located on the Voronezh River near its confluence with the Don.
Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl is part of Russia's Golden Ring and is located at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers.
Ryazan
Ryazan is a historic city southeast of Moscow and is known for its magnificent Kremlin.
Lipetsk
Lipetsk is located in central Russia on the Voronezh River.
Kursk
Kursk is located in southwestern Russia and is known for the magnetic anomaly in its region.
Bryansk
Bryansk is located in western Russia on the Desna River and is a major industrial center.
Tver
Tver is located at the confluence of the Volga and Tvertsa rivers and was a powerful principality in the Middle Ages, rivaling Moscow.
Ivanovo
Ivanovo is known worldwide as the center of the Russian textile industry and is often referred to as the City of Brides.
Vladimir
Vladimir was the capital of Russia in the Middle Ages and is now part of the Golden Ring.
Arkhangelsk
Arkhangelsk is located in northern Russia at the mouth of the Northern Dvina River into the White Sea.
Belgorod
Belgorod is located in southwestern Russia near the Ukrainian border.
History & landmarks
Kolomna
An ancient city famous for its preserved Kremlin and traditional apple pastila treats.
Murom
An ancient Russian city on the Oka River, known as the home of the epic hero Ilya Muromets.
Vyshny Volochyok
Known as the 'Venice of the North', this city is famous for its complex 18th-century canal system.
Torzhok
A historical town famous for its gold embroidery and classicist architecture.
Tutayev
A unique Volga town divided into two banks without a bridge, preserving two distinct historical atmospheres.
Pereslavl-Zalessky
A historic city on Lake Pleshcheyevo, the birthplace of Alexander Nevsky and the cradle of the Russian Navy.