Monastery of the Conception (Zachatievsky Monastyr)

Monastery of the Conception (Zachatievsky Monastyr) Review

Founded in the 16th century, this working monastery is the oldest complex in the district, though nothing remains of the original buildings. Only the 17th-century redbrick Gate Church survives, and even that has been carefully renovated. It was built by the last surviving son of Ivan the Terrible, in what amounted to a plea to God for an heir (hence the monastery's name). He and his wife failed to have a son, however, and Boris Godunov became the next Russian leader.