The Novodevichy Convent was founded in the early 16th century by Duke Vasily III to commemorate the recapture of the old Russian city of Smolensk. The history of the convent is a fascinating chronicle where numerous examples of dramas and tragedies and of valour and humidity are to be found. The oldest structure of the convent is the five-doomed Cathedral of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, built in 1524-1525. This superb architectural monument is one of Russia’s best-known cloisters.

The cemetery was built next to the Novodevichy Convent immediately upon the convent’s completion. The cemetery was first used primarily as a burial place for Moscow’s feudal rulers and church officials. Later it came to be used for Russia’s intellectuals and merchants, while in the 20th century, it was the burial place for many of the Soviet Union’s most well-known citizens. Today, the cemetery holds the tombs of Russian authors, playwrights, and poets, as well asfamous actors, political leaders, and scientists.