The architectural centerpiece of Chisinau, the Metropolitan Cathedral is from 1836 built on at the initiative of Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov.

Avraam Melnikov designed the Cathedral. It is one of the best examples of Russian architecture in Chisinau. The city’s urban plan from 1817 was the first to display the Cathedral’s location and its basic architecture in the cruciform plan.

Considering the importance of the structure, the building became elegant, regal, and timeless. Today's cathedral boasts an eclectic style, with a combination of Byzantine touched with a hint of Renaissance on a Greek cross, a perfect Neo-Classic structure.

Inside, the cathedral has three altars dedicated to three saints. The cathedral suffered serious damage during World War II and has since undergone several reconstructions.

The Cathedral's Belfry

In front of the cathedral stands a beautiful belfry built in 1998. It's an exact replica of the original belfry built in 1830. The original belfry disappeared in the 1960's. It represents an important religious and historic site. The belfry comprises four levels with a small chapel on the ground level and several bells at the top.

The Cathedral complex, including the bell tower, is in the heart of Chisinau, in front of the main Government building.