Atmospheric convent complex; churches, cathedrals and convents

This unique convent is situated on the Moscow River and also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 17th-centuries convent complex includes a quiet cemetary where beried many famous people. The Novodevihcy Convent was founded in 1524 by Tsar Vasily III (1479-1533) to commemoratethe capture of Smolensk from Lithuania. This tsar's building became a hierarchic place and prison for them as well. The most important church within this complex is the huge five-domed Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk, dedicated in 1525 and built by Alexei Fryazin. Interior is decorated with 84 wooden columns and icons of the 16th-17th century. Throughout convent, you can see ancient Russian treasures such as paintings, ceramics, fabrics and books.