Novodesky Convent & Moscow University

On my last day in Moscow, we took the Metro out to visit the Novodevichy Convent. The Convent was founded in 1524 by Grand Prince Vasili III in commemoration of the conquest of Smolensk in 1514. It was built as a fortress at the curve of the Moskva River, and became an important part of the southern defensive belt of the capital, which had already included a number of other monasteries. The Novodevichy Convent was known to have sheltered many ladies from the Russian royal families, who had been forced to take the veil. In 1922 the Bolsheviks closed down the Novodevichy Convent and turned it into a Museum of the Woman’s Emancipation. By 1926, the monastery had been transformed into a history and art museum. In 1943, when Stalin started to make advances to the Russian Orthodox church, he sanctioned the opening of the Moscow Theological Institute. In 1945 the Soviets returned the Assumption Cathedral to the believers. In 1994, nuns returned to the convent, which is currently under the authority of the Metropolitan of Krutitsy and Kolomna.

The oldest structure in the convent is the six pillared five domed cathedral dedicated to the icon Our Lady of Smolensk. The Cathedral may be a focal point of the monastery, but there are many other churches. The blood-red walls, crown towers, two lofty over the gates churches, a refectory and residential quarters were all designed in the Muscovite Baroque style. The other stunning feature in this convent is the Bell Tower built in six tiers to a height of 72 metres, making it one of the highest structures in Moscow.

We then hopped back on the metro to the Moscow State University, which is the largest university in Russia. Found in 1755, it also claims to be the oldest university in Russia. Elevated in a hill on the outskirts of Moscow, the University also provides a great lookout point for panoramic views of the city.

Jen and I then took the Metro back to the city to Pushkin Square, where the busiest McDonald’s in the world is. They have 26 cash registers, 2 full kitchens and 900 seats in the dining room! In 1990 when the store opened as the first McDonald's in Russia, a queue of more than 5000 people had formed around Pushkin Square. It is still as busy as ever, with over 600 crew and 50 managers employed there now.

After a leisurely walk from Pushkin to Red Square, and some more snaps, we met Jacqui at Arbat for dinner at a Georgain Restaurant