Novodivenchy Convent and Cemetery, Tolstoy's Home

Myself, Cheryl and Stacy started the morning in front of the beautiful Novodivenchy Pond.

Postcard picture of the Novodivenchy Convent reflecting over the pond.

The Convent was designed much like a miniature Kremlin

with it's walls, bell tower and 5 domed cathedral.

It was closed the day we were there so we enjoyed the walk around it.

These brass ducks from Robert McCluskey's, "Make Way for Ducklings" were given

to "the children of Russia" by Barbara Bush in 1991.

We visited the Novodivenchy Cemetery where at first primarily rulers and church officials, then later Russia's intellectuals and merchants were buried. In the 20th century it became the burial place for many of Soviet Union's most well known citizens. Today the cemetery holds the tombs of Russian authors, playwrights and poets as well as famous actors, political leaders and scientists. More than 27,000 are buried here.

Grave sights are extravagantly designed.

Above a famous Russian ballerina, below a famous actor,

and shortly after his death his dog died as well.

Chekhov

Stalin's wife

Others in Stalin's family including his daughter.

A Pediatrician

Khrushchev

A heart surgeon.

Gorbachev's wife

Boris Yeltzin

We then hopped on the metro and finished our day with a tour of Tolstoy's Estate Museum.

This is a well preserved little gem. The history here is amazing to see and learn.