The Smolny Cathedral was meant to become the main church of a convent, but it had to be very special. Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great, was not allowed to rule the country, so she decided to become a nun. It was decided to build a convent for her. But as soon as her predecessor was overthrown during a coup carried out by the royal guards, she decided to forget the whole idea of a stern monastic life and happily accepted the offer of the Russian throne.