NOVODEVICHY CONVENT

Novodevichy  Convent was built in the 1500's and miraculously survived the Soviet period where thousands of churches and other religious sites were destroyed.  This is one of the corner towers.

Procession that was held after the convent was restored following Soviet days and reopened to the public

One of the original towers that has not yet been restored

The golden "onion" domes of the Cathedralof our Lady of Smolensk located inside the walls of the convent.

Another view of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk.

Some kind of prayer wall located inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk cathedral. It is VERY gold with pictures of different saints and other religious icons.

The top of the bell tower located inside the convent.

Bottom of the bell tower that has largely not been restored.

Gate Church of the Intercession located inside the convent walls.  There are two main churches on the grounds.

Paintings inside the Gate Church of the Interecession that is still being restored.

 

This white building is where the nuns who work in the convent reside.

Old picture of nuns standing by an old wooden church located nearby

The backside view of a small prayer chapen inside the convent

Looking inside the small prayer chapel where you can light a candle and pray for the "repose of the souls of the departed."

Door and window located in the walls of the convent

Place inside the convent where nobility resided when banished to the convent.  The fortress like walls surrounding the convent reflect the purpose of sequestering daughters, sisters, and wayward wives of the nobility.  Peter the Great banished his sister and first wife to this convent.

School for female students in the 17-1800's.  There was also an orphanage located on the grounds at one time.

Hospital that was once a part of the convent

The grounds of the convent are well cared for, serene, and peaceful.  Beautiful flowers and grass with benches to sit and meditate dot the grounds.  Some people were buried right on the grounds of the convent.