The Novodevichy Convent was founded by order of Prince Vasily III in 1524. Situated near the road leading to Moscow from the south, it served as a military outpost on more then one occasion. The convent was favored by the tsars and boyars, since the nuns included members of both royal and high ranking families. Boris Godunov (whose story became a libretto of a famous opera) was at the convent when the people of Moscow came three times to ask him to take the crown. Peter the Great sent his wife Yevdokia and his sister Sophia here. This peaceful and beautiful place is best seen from the far side of the small pond near the convent.

Open: Wed – Mon 10am-5.15pm, closed first Monday on the month.
Tickets: admission and photo/video fees charged at the entrance.