This is one of the most spectacular sights in Russia. The 16th-century convent was once home to noblemen's inconvenient female relatives (such as Peter the Great's half-sister Sophia, who was sent there against her will). The convent's Smolensk Cathedral, with its stunning frescoes and gold iconostasis, is truly one of the most beautiful churches in Russia. On the convent grounds (around the corner to the right of the convent entrance) is the cemetery where Prokofiev, Chekhov, Khrushchev, Gogol and the bodies of other famous Russians lie. Open Wednesday-Monday 10 am-5:15 pm. Closed the first Monday of each month. Tickets to the monastery, including the museum, are 150 rubles adults, 75 rubles students. Cemetery tickets cost an additional 30 rubles. Bolshaya Pirogovskaya (Sportivnaya metro stop, to the southeast of the city center), Moscow. Phone 495-246-8526.
