Novodevichy Cemetery, beside Novodevichy Convent in Moscow, is the burial place of prominent figures from Russian politics, literature, music, science and the arts. Its sculpted tombs are a major reason to walk the grounds, where monuments range from striking portraits to elaborate works of sculpture. Look for the graves of writers Anton Chekhov and Nikolai Gogol, composer Dmitri Shostakovich and cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. Most signs are in Cyrillic, so bring a translated guide or join a local guide if you want context for the names and monuments.
A cemetery of Russian public figures
Novodevichy Cemetery lies beside Novodevichy Convent and is one of Moscow’s best-known burial grounds. Its graves span Russian cultural and political life, with writers, artists, musicians, scientists and political leaders among those buried here.
Names visitors may recognize include writers Anton Chekhov and Nikolai Gogol, composer Dmitri Shostakovich, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin and politician Nikita Khrushchev. The cemetery can be a useful place to connect familiar names with Russia’s history, though many inscriptions and signs are in Cyrillic.
Sculpture among the graves
The monuments are a focus of a walk through the grounds. Tombstones range from sculpted portraits to more elaborate works, and many have been made as individual pieces of art. Take time to look closely at the forms and details rather than treating the cemetery only as a list of famous names.
Novodevichy is a working memorial place, so keep your visit quiet and respectful. Tour groups can make the grounds busier, especially during popular visiting periods. An early or weekday visit can offer a calmer walk. A translated map or a local guide can help identify graves and explain their historical context.
Visiting with Novodevichy Convent
The cemetery is next to Novodevichy Convent, so the two sites can be combined in one outing. They have separate entry arrangements, and admission to the convent requires a fee. Information about cemetery admission is inconsistent, so check current arrangements before setting out rather than relying on a quoted charge.
Most signs at the cemetery are in Russian. If you do not read Cyrillic, bring a guide with translated names or arrange a guide who can explain the people and monuments as you walk.
FAQ
Who is buried at Novodevichy Cemetery?
The cemetery contains the graves of figures from Russian politics, literature, music, science and the arts. Notable names include Anton Chekhov, Nikolai Gogol, Dmitri Shostakovich, Yuri Gagarin and Nikita Khrushchev.
What should I look for at Novodevichy Cemetery?
Look at the sculpted tombstones and monuments as well as the graves of prominent Russian figures. Many markers are individual works of sculpture.
Are the signs at Novodevichy Cemetery in English?
Most signs are in Russian. Bring a translated map or guidebook, or consider hiring a local guide.
Can I visit Novodevichy Convent on the same trip?
Yes. The convent is beside the cemetery, but it has a separate entrance fee.
