Novodevichy Convent

The Novodevichy Convent, one of Moscow's most beautiful cloisters, is nestled in the southwest of Moscow where the Moskva River bends to form what looks like a peninsula. It is an amazing architectural monument, and also the greatest of city's attractions, second only to the Kremlin. It is a peaceful retreat from the bustling Moscow. The Novodevichy Convent, built in the 16th and 17th centuries in the so-called Moscow Baroque style, was part of a chain of monastic ensembles that were integrated into the defence system of the city. The convent provides an example of the highest accomplishments of Russian architecture with rich interiors and an important collection of amazing paintings and artefacts. It has been distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Novodevichy is a functioning monastery. Women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders when entering the churches, while men should wear long pants. From early on, the Convent was a place for women from noble families to retire – some more willingly than others. The convent's most famous residents included Irina Godunova (wife of Feodor I and sister of Boris Godunov), Sofia Alexeyevna (half-sister of Peter the Great), and Eudoxia Lopukhina (first wife of Peter the Great). (Read more about Novodevichiy Convent)

Novodevichy Cemetery

Given the Russian adoration for statues and immense monuments, it is a fascinating place and hunting around for the famous graves is almost as much fun as actually finding them. Don't miss the cemetery down the hill behind the convent. Considered Moscow's most prestigious burial site since the 18th century, it bears the unique and artful gravestones of many of Russia's literary, musical, and scientific heroes -- and more recently, modern Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin. Pick up a map at the entrance to locate the graves of writers Anton Chekhov, Nikolai Gogol, and Mikhail Bulgakov; composer Dmitry Shostakovich; filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein; and Nikita Khrushchev, the only Soviet leader not buried at the Kremlin wall, etc.

Please, take into account that the Convent is under restoration now due to the anniversary of the Convent. For this reason, visibility of some facilities is limited.
As for the cemetery, it is open for visitors.