Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery
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Duration: 4 hours
Available: daily except Thursday
Languages: English, German, Italian, French, Spanish
Explore the convent and cemetery of Novodevichy, one of Moscow's most attractive
monasteries. Walk in the convent's gardens and get to know its history and visit well known
grave sites in its cemetery.
The red and white crenelated walls and golden domes of Novodevichy Convent make it one of
Moscow's most attractive monasteries. Situated a short walk from the Luzhniki Sports Stadium
in a tranquil southern suburb of Moscow and inside a bend in the Moscow River, the Convent's
leafy gardens are a pleasure to stroll in during the summer months and a welcome retreat from
the bustle of the city. Most of the capital's monasteries were built between the 13th and 16th
centuries, not merely as religious centers but as fortified structures with the express purpose of
defending the city from Tatar and Pole attacks. Novodevichy Cemetery, the most famous
cemetery in Moscow, was inaugurated in 1898 when it was judged that there were too many
burials within monastery walls. One of the first notables to be buried there was Anton Chekhov,
whose gilded tomb is the work of Fyodor Shekhtel. Today, the cemetery holds the tombs of
Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, as well as famous actors, political leaders,
and scientists.
Includes
- Metro ticket
- Entrance fee to the Convent
Please note
- This tour does not include transportation. Public transportation will be used during the tour.
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.