Moscowa Cemetery
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Novodevichy Cemetery is a stunning open-air museum of Russian history, art, and nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Nature awakens beautifully
Moscowa Cemetery
Best Time
Nature awakens beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Novodevichy Cemetery is a stunning open-air museum of Russian history, art, and nature.
"It's one of the most beautiful cemeteries I've visited, where nature and memory go hand in hand."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! The cemetery is extensive, so good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
To truly appreciate Novodevichy, dedicate at least a few hours. It's easy to get lost in its history and beauty. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Gravesites
Oldest sections
Explore centuries-old tombs, many blending with nature, showcasing unique artistry and history.
Children's Memorials
Children's section
A poignant area with touching memorials, evoking deep emotion and reflecting profound loss.
Architectural Marvels
Throughout the cemetery
Admire diverse mausoleums and sculptures, a testament to artistic expression and historical figures.
Nature's Embrace
Throughout the cemetery
Witness how nature reclaims parts of the cemetery, creating a serene and artistic atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Novodevichy Cemetery
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! The cemetery is extensive, so good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
To truly appreciate Novodevichy, dedicate at least a few hours. It's easy to get lost in its history and beauty. :clock1:
Use a Map or GPS
It's easy to get disoriented. Pinpointing your parked car location is a smart move! :iphone:
Photography is Welcome
Capture the unique art and atmosphere, but be respectful of ongoing ceremonies. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking! The cemetery is extensive, so good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
To truly appreciate Novodevichy, dedicate at least a few hours. It's easy to get lost in its history and beauty. :clock1:
Use a Map or GPS
It's easy to get disoriented. Pinpointing your parked car location is a smart move! :iphone:
Photography is Welcome
Capture the unique art and atmosphere, but be respectful of ongoing ceremonies. :camerawithflash:
Visit the Tea House
The former custodian quarters offer refreshments and information. A nice break spot! :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Novodevichy Cemetery for its beauty, historical significance, and peaceful atmosphere. Many are impressed by the artistic quality of the tombs and the unique way nature has integrated with the grounds. Some find the sheer size overwhelming and recommend planning accordingly.
"Beautiful, peaceful graveyard, worth a visit. The former custodian quarters near the entrance now is a Theehuis, where you are welcome to have a drink, pie, a light lunch. This is also the place for all your questions concerning the graveyard...or simply a place to have a break.
Recommended"
coone mewlotova
"I come here to visit the graves of my family, but also to stroll around. It's a peaceful place to walk around. The trees provide shadow on a hot day. And especially the historical part of Moscowa is a beautiful place to visit. I can walk here for hours."
Wicked Sheila
"It doesn't matter to me what is in the cemetery, but it deserves all the stars for its name, which is so close to Moscow"
Timon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Novodevichy Cemetery is accessible via public transport. The nearest metro station is Sportivnaya (Line 1). From there, it's a short walk. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available in Moscow.
Limited parking may be available, but it's often easier and more reliable to use public transportation. If you drive, be sure to note your parking spot location.
It's quite a distance to walk from Red Square to Novodevichy Cemetery. Taking the metro or a taxi is highly recommended for efficiency.
The metro is a popular and efficient choice. Consider using ride-sharing apps for convenience, especially if you have mobility concerns.
While the entrance is generally well-marked, the cemetery itself is vast. Using a map or GPS on your phone is advisable once inside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Novodevichy Cemetery is generally free. However, there might be fees for specific mausoleums or guided tours.
The cemetery typically has extended opening hours, often from morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check the official website for the most current times.
No, there is no general entrance fee for Novodevichy Cemetery. It's a public space for visiting and remembrance.
Yes, Novodevichy Cemetery is usually open on holidays. However, it might be busier than usual.
Guided tours are often available and can provide deeper insights into the history and notable figures buried there. Inquire at the entrance or information points.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted in Novodevichy Cemetery. Many visitors capture the unique architecture and serene atmosphere. 
While general photography is allowed, be mindful and respectful. Avoid intrusive photography during private moments or ceremonies.
The older sections with moss-covered graves, the children's memorial area, and the striking mausoleums offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and historical sites. It's best to assume drones are not allowed to avoid issues.
Visitors often focus on architectural details, the interplay of nature and graves, and the poignant atmosphere of the cemetery.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
To fully appreciate the cemetery, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors spend even longer, up to several hours, exploring its vastness.
Don't miss the historic old graves, the touching children's section, and the diverse mausoleums of famous figures.
Yes, it's described as a beautiful and peaceful place, ideal for quiet contemplation and strolls. +1
There is a tea house located in the former custodian quarters near the entrance, offering refreshments and information. Restroom facilities may be limited.
It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its historical figures, artistic tombs, and its role as a resting place for prominent Russians.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more manageable, focus on specific areas of interest, like the graves of famous composers or writers, or the visually interesting mausoleums. Consider a shorter visit, perhaps focusing on the more accessible parts of the cemetery. Bringing a small notebook for kids to sketch interesting tomb designs could add an interactive element.
📸 Photographers
+1Experiment with different lenses to capture both grand architectural shots and close-ups of weathered inscriptions or sculptural details. The changing seasons offer distinct photographic palettes, from the vibrant colors of autumn to the stark beauty of winter. Remember to be discreet and respectful, especially when photographing near active memorial sites.
+1🚶 Solo Travelers
Consider downloading an offline map of the cemetery or using a reliable GPS app to navigate. Engaging with the stories of the individuals buried there, even through brief research beforehand, can enrich the experience. The tea house near the entrance is a good spot to rest and perhaps gather more information.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and History of Novodevichy
+1Walking through Novodevichy is like taking a journey through Russia's past. You'll find the graves of Nikolai Gogol, Anton Chekhov, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and many others whose names are synonymous with Russian culture. The cemetery's historical section, with its ancient, moss-covered tombs, offers a particularly evocative experience, where nature has begun to reclaim the stone, creating a unique, almost melancholic beauty.
Beyond the famous figures, the cemetery also holds sections dedicated to specific communities, such as the Chinese community, and poignant areas like the children's graves, which are deeply moving. The blend of historical significance, artistic expression, and the quiet presence of nature makes Novodevichy Cemetery a profoundly impactful place to visit.
Nature's Influence on the Cemetery
+1This embrace of nature is not accidental; it's a deliberate choice in some areas, allowing the cemetery to evolve organically. The sinking graves and overgrown monuments in the historic parts are a testament to time and the elements. This creates a visual narrative of life, death, and the enduring power of nature.
Visitors often comment on the peacefulness that this natural setting provides. It offers a tranquil escape and a different perspective on remembrance, where the cycle of life and decay is openly displayed. The changing seasons further enhance this, with spring blooms, summer greenery, autumn colors, and winter snow all adding their own character to the landscape.
+1
Social
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