The capital of Moldova, Chisinau, is considered as one of the landscaped cities in Europe. In the rather small area (just 120 square kilometers) there are many different picturesque parks and 23 lakes. The city is located on the seven hills, that is why you can see the picturesque landscapes from different points.

But the capital of Moldova is known not just by its nature, but also architectural sights. We can say that the most popular symbol of Chisinau is the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, which is located in the very center of the city.

The facade of the cathedral is very familiar to the Russians. And it is not surprising, because it was established in the Russian Classicism style by the Russian architect Avraam Melnikov in the 1830s. Close to the main building there was built a bell tower.

As well as other cathedrals, located on the territory of the former Soviet Union, the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ has a long history. So, in 1941, the building was destroyed during the bombardment. The restoration works were started immediately, but because of the difficulties within the country, they were delayed for almost 12 years.

In 1962, the bell tower close to the cathedral was demolished: it was exploded by order of the local administration. At the same time, the divine service was stopped in the cathedral, and its building received a function of the exhibition hall of the Ministry of Culture of the Moldavian SSR. On the place of the former bell tower was installed a fountain.

In 1989, the building was returned to the church, but the divine service took place there just since 1996: all that time there were the wide-scale restoration works of internal and external decoration. That time it was also decided to renovate the destroyed bell tower, the citizens heard the first ringing of the local bells in 1997. By the way, the works are continuing now: unfortunately, the part of the interior is not restored.