The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most beautiful and harmonious architectural ensembles in Moscow. It was founded in 1525 by Grand Duke Vassily 111- such was the way for the ruler of Russia to celebrate the re-integration of the old city of Smolensk to the Russian State. In the subsejuent centuries the Convent was a witness to and stage of various important historic events associated with the names of Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, Peter the Great. It was

    here that in 1598 Boris Godunov was proclaimed tzar. Princess Sofia during the period of her regency (1682-1689) presented to the Convent the new ensemble of buildings which completed its architectural image. It unites old Russian architecture and the Moscow baroque style with inimitable beauty. In 1689 tzar Peter the Great imprisoned his sister and political opponent -Princess Sofia in this Convent. She died here in 1704, her tomb is inside the main the Smolensk Cathedral, as well as the tomb of the first wife of Peter the Great, tzarina Yevdokiya Lopukhina.