Novodevichy Convent is a jewel of Moscow Baroque, fortress and prison, burial ground of noble families. Founded by Vasily III to commemorate Smolensk's return, the convent witnessed tsarinas and princesses, Boris Godunov and Sophia Alekseyevna. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List.

History

The convent was founded in 1524 on Devichye Field—where, legend says, Tatars selected maidens for tribute. The dedication is to the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God.

Women from royal families took vows here (voluntarily and not). Irina Godunova—widow of Fyodor Ioanovich. Eudoxia Lopukhina—Peter I's...