Novospassky Monastery is one of the fortified monasteries that once guarded Moscow's approaches. Founded in the early 14th century and moved to this site in 1491, it later became closely tied to the Romanov family.
The complex has heavy walls, a large 18th-century bell tower, churches, monastic buildings, and the Sheremetev family sepulchre. It is less crowded than the Kremlin churches or Novodevichy Convent, but still gives you the layered mix of religion, power, and dynastic memory that defines old Moscow.