Novodevichiy Convent and Cemetery

On Sunday I ventured across Moscow, via tour bus, to the Novodevichiy convent. It is the most beautiful convent in Russia, as it sits on the edge of the Moscow River. Founded in 1524, the convent was an important part of the southern defensive belt of the capital.

Below you can see the Tsaritsa's Tower.

This is the Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk. It is the oldest building in the convent, built in 1524. Inside there is a 5 tiered iconostasis, and frescos that date back to the 17th century.

The frescos in the interior of the temple are original from the 17th century, as are the onion domes.

Here is the iconostasis

Behind the convent is the Novidevichiy Cemetery where many famous Russian are buried. Among the most famous are Anton Chekov and Nikolai Gogol.

Here is Nikita Khrushev's grave.
The cemetery is a final resting place for many military and political dignitaries from the Soviet era.

At the Novidevichiy Cemetery anyone is welcome to come and pay their respects to the deceased. There are many, many tourists there, however it is still very beautiful has a calmness about to it.