Usually, within all countries with rich vicissitudes past, cemeteries are essential parts of their history. But Novodevichy cemetery isn't only charming for the history lovers. This cemetery which located near a monastery with the same name at the center of the Moscow has an attraction as both historical and visually engaging for tourists who visit Russia.
From far past in Russian culture, it was believed that a cemetery must be located near a religious site such as a church, cathedral, or monastery. With this culture in mind, after reclaiming Smolensk city from Lithuania government, " Vasily Basil III" ordered to build the Novodevichy monastery, shortly after, the cemetery had been formed near it.
Till the late 19th century, over two thousands of Russian figures such as university professors and nobles were buried there. Between 1898 and 1904, the cemetery expanded from its south side and after this event, it became one of the most famous cemeteries of Moscow. In 1927, Soviet Russia leader dictated that no ordinary people's burial allowed in this cemetery from then. Lenin's younger brother "Dmitry Ulyanov" and Joseph Stalin's wife "Nadezhda Alliluyeva" were buried there during that period.
The other attraction of this place is the work of famous sculptures on the monuments. Works of artists such as Nikolay Andreyev, Sergey Konenkov, and Yevgeny Vuchetich can be found in the cemetery.
After that Joseph Stalin decided to destroy most of the historical cemetery of Moscow, the remains of the people who buried there were relocated to Novodevichy Cemetery. Figures such as Nikolai Gogol and Isaac Levitan were reburied there in that time.
From all the Soviet Russia leaders, Nikita Khrushchev is the only one who was buried in this cemetery. Other leaders were buried in the Kremlin Palace or The Red Square area, but Khrushchev was discharged before his death at 1971, so he's the only Soviet Russia leader who has a tomb at the Novodevichy Cemetery.
Between the iconic names on the graveyard, there's a Persian name that drew attention. Abolqasem Lahouti Kermanshahi, Iranian poet and activist, who self-exile himself and died at 1957 in Moscow, has a tomb with his name in Farsi on it at the cemetery.
Novodevichy Cemetery grants an eternal resting place for over twenty thousands of figures and influencers in Russia. These are some of the names:
- Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, the famous writer, and Playwriter of Russia
- Sergei Eisenstein, Soviet film director
- Nikolai Gogol, Russian great dramatist
- Yevgeny Bertels, Russian orientalist (Iran)
- Andrei Tupolev, founder of the Tupolev aerospace manufacturer
- Nazım Hikmet, Turkish poet
And many other huge and small names.
This cemetery which is located near The Sparrow Hills at the center of the Moscow is an essential tourist attraction for people who visit Moscow. It is recommended that if you ever have plans to travel to Russia, go there and explore this marvelous place.
To find out more about Moscow and its top attractions, you can visit our blog at Star Travel Group. or check this post as an example.
