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On this picture you can see the tall, elegant, white bell tower of Nikolo-Ugresha monastery, in amazing contrast with the dark grey clowds. Reading the history of this monastery, I’ve prepared the history of Bell Tower as a chronicle. Hope that it will be interesting for you to know:

Bell Tower's Chronicle:

1758
Beginning of construction of a bell tower at the rule of igumen (Father Superior) Varlaame, abbot of the monastery.
1761
The three-storied bell tower under the project of architect I. Zherebtsova was constructed.
1778
Construction of bell tower was completed.
1791
On the money donated from empress Catherine II the bell in weight in 301 pood (nearby 4,8 тonns) was poured (cast).
1840
Under the bell tower in tent it was arranged an aisle in the name of “Exscind of John Baptist's Fair Head” with support of Moscow merchant I.P. Pyatnitskogo.
1859
With support of P.M.Aleksandrova (benefactor of the monastery), the monastic bell tower was built on up to 6 tiers and reached height in 77 meters. On the bell tower were hung 18 bells, from which the biggest, named “Blagovestnik” (weal messenger), weighed 19,7 tons. In May they have started disassembly of the top circle of the bell tower and construction new. On October, 24th (on November, 16th) the dome of the bell tower was covered gold and cross was put on it.
1903
A clock with chime were mounted on the top tier of the bell tower.
1941
At the beginning of Great Patriotic War, two top tiers of the bell tower were taken down, because of the fear that this tall bell tower can be a reference point for fascist (Nazi) aircrafts which bombed Moscow.
2002-2003
Restoration of two top tiers and domes with a cross of a monastic bell tower.

Nowadays, as well as in old days, it is rising to heavens more than on 90 meters. On July 24th, 2003, on the bell tower were mounted again the clock with chime. It’s Holy Gates at the bottom is still on renovation.

With BEST Regards,
Arthur Lookianov
Personal Guide & Driver in Moscow
Moscow Photo Gallery