Novodevichy Convent
Reason for including the Novodevichy Convent is that it is the most outstanding example of the so-called ‘Moscow Baroque’ style of architecture.
Novodevichy means 'New Nunnery'. It was here, in the 16th and 17th centuries, that women from the royal family and top-ranking families took the veil.
The complex consists of 15 buildings, surmounted by golden domes.
Visit July 1990
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The big picture above looks very familiar to me, because it has decorated the wall in my living room for years. It was given to me by my parents, to commemorate my visit to Russia in 1990.
The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most remarkable places in and around Moscow. Unfortunately I only did a quick tour, as I was with a group. Also, I was a very unexperienced traveller at that time (I was only 20 years old). Taking pictures and writing a diary was not on my agenda then.
Reviews
John Webber (UK):
Novodevichy is without doubt one of the most beautiful places I've visited. From a distance and from close up it offers all sorts of charming discoveries - especially if you like taking photos. I first saw it on a city tour, but a five minute stop was sufficient to make me determined to return to see it properly, which I did two years later - it was worth it.
It's said that when Napoleon tried to blow up the fortified walls on his way into Moscow the nuns ran out and extinguished the fuses with their bare hands.
Tolstoy sets a scene from War and Peace on the lake in front of the convent which freezes in winter and is a popular place to skate. Indeed Tolstoy himself skated there, his Mosocow house still stands nearby and of course is also well worth a visit. |
| Date posted: February 2010 |
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This site is definitely worth an afternoon, to see each of these most beautiful, dainty buildings up close without the crowd you encounter at the Kremlin. Also worthwhile is a quick trip to the cemetary of the Russian notables to reflect a little on their lives. The little lake that Tchaikovsky is supposedly to have written Swan Lake by is now only occupied by ducks, but approaching from the main road, the lake provides nice foreground for the convnent ensemble. |
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Frederik Dawson (Netherlands):
 Novodevichy Convent is a real treasure of Moscow apart from the famous Kremlin and Red Square, with the interesting historical link with Russian imperial family in every perspectives; served as their royal chapel or even their prison, Russia government wanted to inscribe this place as an extension of Kremlin, but finally it has become the third WHS in Moscow. Originally designed as a part of Moscow fortification system, this fortress convent is fortified by red high brick wall for defensive purpose.
As the convent was supported by the monarchs, it was constructed by the best artisans making this convent to be one of the most beautiful religious complexes in the whole Russia. In my opinion the most significant building in this complex and worth to see is the main gate which built in a style called Naryshkin Baroque (Moscow Baroque), a quite unique and more elaborate of Russian Architecture which borrows some elements from central Europe. Five baroque golden domes, which look like they come from Bavaria or Austria, are very good anecdote from typical Russian onion style.
The convent is located near central Moscow and on the short distance from the Sportivnaya metro station on the red line. Beware! This convent is on the list of the must see in Moscow so prepare for a lot of tourists or be there in early morning to soak the unexplainable peaceful atmosphere inside the complex. After the convent, do not forget the cemetery, Novodevichy Cemetery is the no.1 burial place for Russian, so you can see the tombs of many famous people, the latest one is Boris Yeltsin who died two weeks before my visit. |
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Sister Maria Gemma, OP (USA):
I lived in Moscow as a graduate student at MGIMO not far from the Novodevichy Convent in 1991, and this beautiful haven was a constant source of peace for me in a year of turmoil. I loved to walk through the gardens and visit the chapels, particularly in the spring and summer, although I also loved its quietude during the snowy winter months. I returned on subsequent business trips with others, and my first place to take newcomers to Moscow was to see Novodevichy. A visit to U Pirosmani restaurant, just up the street, would follow for some delicious Georgian food.
Now I am a Roman Catholic religious sister in the US, and I hope that someday I'll be blessed to again visit Moscow - after visiting the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Louis, where I attended Mass when I lived in Moscow, I will go to Novodevichy and again walk its peaceful paths, this time myself as a women consecrated to God through the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. |
| Date posted: May 2006 |
Laura Kehrer (USA):
I lived in the city for a summer and this convent was my favorite part of Moscow, if not all of Russia. If you have time it should not be missed. I went back twice in one weekend. If you like a break from big city madness you can't get anything close to this peaceful in most parts of the city.
Just as a tip for women, you should remember that you cannot (or simply should not) enter some of the areas used for services without a scarf or shawl to cover your head. Follow the lead of the women around you. Most Russian women wore their scarves around their necks until it was time to enter the buildings.
Also the lake is worth walking around on nice days and, if I remember correctly, there is a playground on the other side if you have children.
One last tip is that you do need to pay to take pictures of the buildings. Using your cameras inside is not allowed, but you may be able to take a few shots in areas that are exhibits and not used for religious purposes. |
| Date posted: April 2006 |
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