Novodevichy convent

Trasfiguration church

Slender bell-tower, majestic silver and golden domes of Smolensk cathedral, mighty fortification walls with towers topped with tracery crowns form the architectural ensemble of New Maiden Convent, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful convents in Moscow.

From old times the convent was both a place of spiritual life and a refugee for exiles. It was also a part of defensive belt on the approaches to the city center, the main venue of historical events.

The first building, the cathedral of Smolensk Icon of Mother of God was constructed in 1524 by the order of Vasily III. It marked the conquest of Smolensk and its annexation to Moscow principality. Soon it became the second by its significance royal convent called New Maiden to distinguish from the Ascension convent in the Kremlin. Women noble origin- wives and widows of tsars and boyars, their daughters and sisters became nuns in this cloister. On taking the veil they handed over all their valuables, jewelries, gold and silver to their new shelter. Thus the convent prospered and became the richest in Moscow.

Smolensk Cathedral

New Maiden convent witnessed ups and downs in the history of Russia. In the late 16th century after the death of childless tsar Feodor, the nearest pretender to the throne was Boris Godunov, the brother of his widowed Trarina Irina Godunova. Boris Godunov moved to the convent where later he was proclaimed to be the tsar.
It was here that Peter the Great imprisoned his power-loving half-sister Sofia who did not wish to concede the throne to her brother after he came of age. She was supported in her ambitions by sharp-shooters and the up-risings broke out .After the suppression they were hanged on the walls and outside the windows of Sofia's cell.

In the war of 1812 the nunnery was nearly blown up by French soldiers. The night when French troops were preparing to retreat the nuns discovered the smoldering fuses of powder barrels. They managed to put them out and prevent the fire in the convent.

Panoramic view of Novodevichy convent

In Soviet époque the convent was closed and turned into the museum of Women's Emancipation and later into museum of history and art. This saved it from a worse fate until the cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1945.

Nowadays it a functioning convent which also serves as a museum.
New Maiden convent is a lovely spot to have a walk with your Moscow tour guide or on your own.