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| VISITING ST. PETERSBURG |
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HOME TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS OF MOSCOWNOVODEVICHY CONVENT |
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The red and white crenellated 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, the Convent gardens are a pleasure to stroll in in 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. With this aim in mind, many of Moscow's larger convents, including Novodevichy, were protected by thick, high walls and towers that together formed a defensive ring around the city. Many of the monasteries also served as retirement homes for royal and noble women, many of whom were sent to the safety and seclusion of the convents against their will.
Novodevichy, or "New Maidens Convent" in English, was founded by Vasily III in 1524 to commemorate the recapture of Smolensk from the Lithuanians in 1514. During the Time of Troubles in the 17th century the buildings were badly damaged and were reconstructed at the end of that century in the then fashionable Moscow baroque style.
Among the convents more notable unwilling residents were Sophia, Peter the Great's older half sister, and Evdokia, Peter's first wife. Within the grounds of the monastery stand four royal residences, one of which was built for the sister of Boris Godunov, Irina. Having been offered the Russian throne and declined it, Irina chose instead to retire to Novodevichy and live out her days there in the convent.
Positioned amidst leafy gardens within Novodevichy's large fortified walls stands the convent's stately Church of the Transfiguration, built in 1688, and boasting 5 golden cupolas on high towers, topped with golden Orthodox crosses. |
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