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Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent

The Novodevichy Convent, in south-western Moscow, 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 was directly associated with the political, cultural and religious history of Russia, and closely linked to the Moscow Kremlin. It was used by women of the Tsar’s family and the aristocracy. Members of the Tsar’s family and entourage were also buried in its cemetery. The convent provides an example of the highest accomplishments of Russian architecture with rich interiors and an important collection of paintings and artefacts.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1097

The Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent is a monastic complex and the best-preserved representative example of "Moscow Baroque". It had a symbolic and physical relationship with the Moscow Kremlin, the "Tsar's road" linking the two complexes.

Novodevichy means "New Nunnery". It was here, in the 16th and 17th centuries, that women from the royal family and top-ranking families took the veil. The complex consists of 15 buildings, surmounted by golden domes. The complex is surrounded by a wall.

The Smolensky Cathedral is the main monument on site.

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/novodevichy.html