The Pokrovsky Convent was established in 1635 by Tsar Michael as a monastery dedicated to the Intercession (Pokrov) of the Virgin Mary. The monastery's main church was first built in 1655 but it, along with the rest of the monastery, was rebuilt in the 19th century. This construction work also included surrounding the monastery with walls and towers. In the late 19th century it became a missionary monastery responsible for training missionaries. In 1920 the monastery was dissolved and its churches were then closed in 1926. The local area was turned into a park which involved the demolition of part of the monastery's walls. In 1994 the monastery was reopened but as a convent. Reconstruction work followed, including on rebuilding the walls. 

In 1998 the relics of St Matryona of Moscow, an extremely popular 20th century saint, were transferred to the convent, which greatly increased the number of pilgrims visiting the convent who queue for hours for the opportunity to pray at Matryona's tomb. 

Bell Tower

As you walk through the convent's gates the first structure to greet you is the convent's bell tower. The first mention of a stone bell tower at the monastery came in 1763 and this version was destroyed in 1926. The current version was built between 1999 and 2002 and contains 12 bells. Like all the buildings in the convent, the bell tower is yellow in colour.  

Intercession Church

Behind the bell tower is the convent's oldest church - the Intercession Church. It was built between 1806 and 1810 in the classical style, replacing an older version. The church is rather simple in design with just a single large central dome.

Resurrection Church

Next to the Intercession Church is the convent's main church - the Resurrection Church, which was built between 1854 and 1855 and dedicated to the Revival of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Like its neighbour it was built in the classical style but is larger and with five domes; one central one surrounded by four corner domes. The church’s interior is decorated with frescoes and holds the relics of St Matryona. To the north of this church is a small chapel over a well.