This 16th century convent complex and Maiden’s Monastery was declared World Heritage by Unesco years ago. Different from other monasteries’ fates, the Novodevichy has been very well preserved probably due to the noble background of ladies who were sent there. It holds one of the most impressive collections of icons, and you should not miss the Smolensky Cathedral and its impressive frescoes, as well as the smaller surroundng chapels, and the cemetery where many of the Russian historical characters, like politicians and writers, have been buried. The views of the Convent from the other side of the Moscow River are particularly stunning.