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Novodevichy Convent by Katie Brady/creative commons Novodevicy Convent

Novodevicy Convent

Novodevicy Convent

The famous Novodevicy Convent is a quiet retreat that has been built on the outskirts of Moscow, by the Moscow River. The name of the retreat, when translated into English, means ‘New Maiden’s Convent’. The concept behind creating a New Maiden’s Concept arose in contrast to the then-established system of the ancient maiden’s convents. The convent has survived in remarkable condition, and unlike other convents and cloisters built in and around Moscow, the structure from the 17th century is in near perfect condition. In 2004, the Novodevicy Convent was awarded the honour of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Holidays that feature Novodevicy Convent

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Photo by Olta
Type: Guided Tour | Summer Holiday | Solo Traveller | Country Holiday | Group Tour | Anniversary | Boys Trip | Girls Trip | Walking/Trekking | Autumn Holiday
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Eastern Europe Explorer Tour

Inspired by the BBC programme 'The Hairy Bikers Northern Exposure' you will be treated to the best of the Baltics alongside an in-debth tour of Poland's and Russia's rich culture and history, and last but not least try the many flavours of the Eastern European cuisine. This exclusive escorted Eastern European tour includes the highlights of 6 countries, all of which are enticing and rich in beauty and culture, in just 21 days.

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Photo by Olta
Type: Guided Tour | Summer Holiday | Tailor Made Holiday | Solo Traveller | Anniversary
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Extended Golden Ring Tour

This guided tour of Russia introduces you to the highlights of Moscow and St. Petersburg, and gives you the additional opportunity to explore the Golden Ring, a collection of small towns northeast of Moscow.

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Photo by Otla
Type: City Break | Individual Tour | Summer Holiday | Winter Holiday | Tailor Made Holiday | Solo Traveller
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Moscow City Break

Moscow is a dynamic city of contrasts, with interesting architecture and churches full of history. The city has a lot to offer in shopping, nature, food as well as culture and art. It is one of the oldest cities in Russia, and is located by the Moskva River in the European part of the country. Moscow is famous for being home to Red Sqaure and the Kremlin along with St. Basil's Cathedral, Gorky Park and many other famous sights and landmarks.

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River view by Daina K.
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Russian Capitals & Golden Ring Tour

Explore the ancient history of the Russian capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg, and explore the towns on the Golden Ring: Vladimir, Suzdal and Bogolyubovo. This collection of small towns were significantly involced in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church and have managed to conserve the history the most significant and important events Russia has faced.

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St. Basil's Cathedral by Via Hansa
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Russian Capitals & Tatarstan

This itinerary offers you the opportunity to visit the great Russian cities of St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kazan. Kazan is the capital of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan and has a unique blend of European and Asian culture and architecture and a rich history as one of the crossroads between the two continents.

More about Novodevicy Convent

A Look into the Past: The History of the Convent

The Novodevicy Convent was established in the year 1524. Tsar Vasily III ordered the establishment of the convent to mark and honour the capture of Smolensk from Lithuania. While the main purpose of the structure was to house a religious institution, the physical structure also makes it evident that the Novodevicy Convent was intended to be a fortress of sorts. This has been established from the obviously tactical location of the convent, and also from the fortified walls and multiple battle towers.

Since the convent was established under the guidance of the Tsar, it was awarded a position of esteem and superiority amongst its contemporaries. Other convents and monasteries in Moscow were held secondary to the Novodevicy Convent. Given the position the Novodevicy Convent enjoyed in Moscow, it was exclusive in nature and was reserved mostly for the women who came from noble families. Since the convent was also a fortress, it was often used as a prison or holding place for royals who had rebelled against the Tsar’s regimes.

While the original structure itself is hardly visible in the current compound, owing to the extensive changes that were made to the convent during the 1680s when the convent was restructured and renovated, the convent has remained almost untouched since the 17th century.

The Famous Convent through the Ages

Once the Russian Revolution was over the churches belonging to the Novodevicy Convent compound were shut down. In the year 1922, the Novodevicy Convent was transformed into a museum, and many years later, the convent was given back to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Efforts began in the 1960s to restore the convent. In 1988 an Episcopal was built in the compound.

Even though the complex is still a museum on records, a small group of nuns maintain it as a convent as well, however the primary purpose of the Novodevicy Convent is to serve as a public museum.

Visiting the Novodevicy Convent

There are lots of beautiful monuments and sights within the complex, from the red and white Church of the Assumption, to the Church of St. Ambrose and the massive five-domed Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk. The Novodevicy Cemetery, built near the convent, happens to be the resting place of some of the most well known men and women of Russia and is the third most popular site for visitors. The complex remains open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is shut on the last Monday each month.


Join our newsletter

Be the first to hear of Special Offers and travel news. To receive our monthly newsletters with more information, on the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and all the countries Baltic Travel can take you to, and special offers, please enter your email address and press the sign up button.

We never allow third parties to use your data and we do not keep financial information. We protect your data as if it was our own, because we're people too!