Novodevichy Cemetery Monument

Address: Novodevichy Cemetery, Novodevichy Convent area, Moscow, Russia

Hours: Typically open to visitors during daylight hours; hours may vary for services and events

Novodevichy Cemetery is a historic cemetery in Moscow situated next to the Novodevichy Convent, known as the resting place for many prominent Russian cultural, scientific and political figures. It has been a prestigious burial ground since the late 19th century.

The cemetery contains elaborate tombs and monuments for writers, composers, artists, statesmen and other notable individuals from Imperial and Soviet periods. Visitors commonly come to see the graves of major cultural figures and the sculptural memorials that line the avenues.

The site developed alongside the adjacent convent and cathedral, expanding into a formal cemetery in the modern period and gaining status as a national pantheon for distinguished citizens. Many burials and memorials date from the 20th century when the cemetery became the primary state burial site for elites.

Novodevichy lies in southwestern Moscow close to the historical centre and the Moskva River, immediately beside the convent complex and within easy reach of central museums and transport links.

• Location: Located adjacent to the Novodevichy Convent, it became Moscows prestigious burial ground from the late 19th century and remains one of the citys most visited cemeteries.

What to See#

• Writers and artists: A prominent gravesite for many leading Russian cultural figures, including well-known writers, composers and artists whose tombs attract visitors.
• Statesmen and scientists: The cemetery contains the graves of major Soviet-era political and scientific figures as well as elaborate family tombs and sculpted monuments.

Novodevichy Cemetery adjoins the Novodevichy Convent in southwestern Moscow. It is a short walk from Sportivnaya metro station (Sokolnicheskaya Line) - roughly 10-15 minutes on foot - and is also a short taxi ride from central Moscow. The cemetery is reached easily from the Garden Ring by local buses or a brief taxi trip.

• Visit Novodevichy Cemetery on a weekday morning to see the graves and memorials with fewer tour groups and school visits, and to experience a more contemplative atmosphere.
• Enter from the convent side near the Novodevichy Convent and the adjacent park-the cemetery is contiguous with the convent complex and that approach gives immediate historical context many visitors miss.
• Take a focused route (Soviet-era leaders, writers and artists) or a guided walk rather than wandering randomly; many notable graves are tucked down side paths and behind trees and can be overlooked on a quick pass.