The serene compound of this almost 500 year old convent belies the history making events that have taken place inside its walls. From the coronation of Boris Godunov as tsar of Russia in 1598 — which brought on 15 years of illegitimate rule and contention for the throne, often referred to as "The Time of Trouble" — to the organization of resistance in 1612 against Polish rule of Moscow, the convent has been the source of some of Russia's most tragic and fantastic episodes. The photo (LEFT) sHOWS the main gate of the convent located at 1 Novodevichy Proyezd, a 10-minute walk from metro station Sportivnaya.

These walls were first erected in 1524 by tsar Vasily III, father of the infamous Ivan the Terrible, to honor the recapture of Smolensk from Lithuania.

The inhabitants of the convent have not always come willingly. Peter the Great confined his sister Sofia behind the stone walls for her role in the coup of 1682, aimed at preventing the heir-to-be from ever attaining the throne. Sofia's successful grasp at power came to an end in 1689 when a mature Peter, backed by a stronger following, easily disposed of her.

The convent's architectural complex had been completed by the late 17th century and, since then, has been one of Russia's most beautiful cloisters. During the great fire of 1812, (when Moscow was seized by Napoleon's troops) the convent's main building — Smolensk Cathedral — miraculously escaped destruction.

The cathedral, the convent's oldest stone edifice, contains unique frescos and a carved icon set featuring the works of famous icon-painters from the 16th century.

The convent's territory accommodates burial vaults of tsar family members, Russia's top aristocrats as well as graves of Russia's famous writers, historians and participants of the 1812 war. Denis Davydov, who courageously battled Napoleon's troops from the forests, is buried here.

One of the convent's buildings accommodates a unique exhibition of weapons — from 19th century items to modern aircraft bombs. Tickets to the exhibition are available in a box office located at the convent's main entrance.

Adjacent to the convent is the Novodevichye Cemetery, which holds the remains of some of Russia's most famous names of the last 200 years, including WW II heroes, politicians, artists and academics. Entry to the cemetery is 20 rubles.

It is a great honor to be buried at the Novodevichye Cemetery today. Contemporary celebrity Yuri Nikulin, the nation's favorite actor and clown who directed the Moscow Tsvetnoi Boulevard Circus until his very last day, rests here. Currently, the circus bears his name. Also here is the grave of CPSU general secretary Nikita Khrushchev, who, upon taking power in 1956, was the first to criticize the ‘cult of Stalin'.

The convent is open for visitors daily, except Tuesday and first Monday of every month, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For inquiries or to book a guided tour call 246-8526. Entry is free for Russians and 30 rubles for foreigners; the museum and the exhibition is 10-14 rubles for Russians and 60 rubles for foreigners; and a guided tour for 15 (with foreign language support) is 250-300 rubles.