Novodevichy Convent is located on the south- west of Moscow, in the bend of the Moskva River. Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent - an outstanding monument of architecture of 16-17 centuries.
The most notable building in the Ensemble of the Novodevichy Monastery - Smolensk Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk icon , which was built simultaneously with the foundation of the monastery.This is a monumental five-domed temple with murals 16th and 17th centuries , with a five-tiered iconostasis carved and rare icons of the 17th century. Refectory with the Church of the Assumption, the bell tower, the churches of the monastery adjacent to them and Mariinsky Lopukhinsky house - superb examples of Moscow baroque.
The monastery was founded by Tsar Vasily III in 1524 - to commemorate the return of the Russian city of Smolensk land . Hence the second name of the monastery - the Smolensk Mother of God .
In the 16-17 centuries, the Novodevichy Convent was the site of the tonsure of women from the royal family.In the monastery widow eldest son of Ivan the Terrible , Tsarevich Ivan . Here after the death of Tsar Fedor Ivanovich went away , his widow Irina Godunov and his brother , Boris Godunov, Tsar Boris future . In the Novodevichy Convent sister graduated from his days of Peter I, Princess Sophia , forcibly take monastic vows.The first wife of Emperor Evdokia Lopukhin was also imprisoned in the monastery .
Novodevichy Convent always enjoyed the patronage of Russian autocrats, owned vast lands. The nuns of the monastery were usually from the upper strata of the nobility.In 1724 there were built a hospital for soldiers and officers of Russian army and a shelter for foundlings females.
During the War of 1812 in the Novodevichy Monastery were French troops. During the retreat of the French monastery was prepared to explode.Only the resourceful nuns, who arrived on time and put out the wick , saved the monastery buildings from destruction.
From the late 18th century and until 1868 the Novodevichy Convent was used as the ecclesiastical authority in the correctional institution for women in Moscow and Moscow Province, condemned the court for Earthen disbelief .
The fate of the Novodevichy Convent has changed dramatically in the early 20th century. In 1922 the monastery was closed by arranging a museum , which later became the State Historical Museum . Nevertheless, since 1980 the Novodevichy Convent is located the residence of Metropolitan Krutitsy and Kolomna.And in 1994 there was again established a convent. Since 1995, the Smolensk Cathedral held on feast day of service .
Back in the 16th century on the territory of the Novodevichy Convent cemetery was arranged at which representatives of the buried church and secular elite.In the 19th century the monastery had been buried the heroes of the War of 1812 , which included hussars and poet Denis Davydov, S. Troubetzkoy , the Decembrists and Muravyov -Apostol , well-known cultural figures, including historian and philosopher Soloviev In . Soloviev.
Novodevichy Convent , listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site , is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries in Russia.
August 10, 2004 Novodevichy Convent celebrated its 480 years .
Next to the monastery located Novodevichy Cemetery Novodevichy large pond and park at the pond paved walkway leading to the white stone bridge and park.
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