Novospassky Monastery facts for kids
Novospassky Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Moscow, Russia. Its name means "New monastery of the Saviour." It has a long history, starting way back in the 14th century.
The very first monastery was built inside the walls of the Kremlin, which is a famous fortress in Moscow. But in 1491, the monastery was moved to a new spot. This new location was on the banks of the Moskva River. Because it was moved, people started calling it the "new monastery."
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A Fortified History
In 1571 and again in 1591, the monastery's wooden buildings faced attacks. These attacks came from the Crimean Tatars. They were a group of nomadic people who often raided Russian lands.
After these attacks, in 1612, a new Russian ruler named Michael of Russia decided to rebuild the monastery completely. He made sure it was much stronger this time. He added thick stone walls that were 7.5 meters (about 25 feet) high and 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) thick. These walls stretched for 782 meters (about half a mile) and had six tall towers. These strong walls made Novospassky one of the important fortified monasteries protecting Moscow. The buildings you see today are mostly these strong stone structures.
Later, in the 18th century, more parts were added. These included a very tall bell-tower, which is one of the highest in Moscow. A special burial place for the Sheremetev family was also added inside the Church of the Sign.
Important Families and Burials
The Novospassky Monastery was very important to some powerful Russian families. The descendants of Andrei Kobyla, including the Sheremetyev and Romanov families, supported it. The Romanovs later became the ruling family of Russia for many centuries.
These noble families used the monastery as their special burial place. Many important people were buried here. One was Xenia Shestova, who was the mother of the very first Romanov Tsar. Another was Princess Tarakanova, a woman who claimed to be the daughter of Empress Elisabeth. However, her claim was not true. Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia, a member of the Romanov family, was also buried here.
Monastery Buildings Today
The monastery complex has several beautiful and historic buildings:
- The Cathedral of the Transfiguration (built 1645-1649): This is a large main church, also called a katholikon. It has five domes and beautiful paintings called frescoes. These were painted by some of the best artists in Moscow during the 17th century.
- The Intercession Church, or Church of the Veil of the Virgin (built 1673-1675): This church includes a refectory, which is a dining hall for the monks.
- The Church of the Sign or Church of the Znamenie Icon of the Virgin (built 1791-1795).
- The Bell Tower (built 1759-1785): This is one of the tallest bell towers in Moscow.
- The Infirmary Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker: This church was part of the monastery's hospital. It also included living areas for the monks.
- The House of Patriarch Filaret: This was the home of Patriarch Filaret of Moscow, an important religious leader.
- The House of Loaf-Giving: This building was likely used for preparing and distributing bread.
Later Years and Return to the Church
In 1918, after the Russian Revolution, the monastery was closed down. It was then used as a prison for a while. Between 1927 and 1930, the old cemetery at the monastery was removed.
Later, in 1968, the monastery buildings became a museum of history. It also housed an art restoration institute. This institute worked to repair and preserve old artworks.
Finally, in 1991, the Novospassky Monastery was given back to the Russian Orthodox Church. It is now an active monastery once again.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de Novospaski para niños
