The adornment of the centre of our capital, its historical and architectural pearl is Cathedral Ensemble, located in Cathedral park, ajoining to the square of Great National Meeting. The ensemble is built on the project of architect Abraham Melnikov in the style of late Russian classism and initially consisted of Cathedral and Bell Tower  - these were the largest buildings of that time; they had been dominating over the city for a long time. The work at its creation began on 26 May 1830. The consecration of Cathedral and Bell Tower took place on 13 October 1836. In 1840 Triumph Arch (Saint Gates) was built by Cathedral on the project of I. Zaushkevich. These edifices were the single ensemble that is remarkable for its calm grandeur and strictness of composition. The ensemble suffered during World War II from the bombing in June 1941. By 1956 it was completely restored and given the title of the monument of architecture.

Unfortunately, there are dramatic chapters in the history of this ensemble. During the longest winter night of 22-23 December 1962, Bell Tower, the central part of Cathedral Ensemble, was demolished. Cathedral was transformed into an exhibition hall. The fountain was later built insted of Bell Tower. Cathedral had such appearance for almost two decades.

On 3 November 1995 President of Moldova Mircha Snegur signed a degree about the reconstruction of Cathedral Ensemble. Cathedral reconstruction soon was finished.

The photographs testifies that the Cathedral doom underwent some changes comparing with the architect's idea. On 25 August 1996 it was consacrated and the Cathedral cross mounted on it in presence of the huge crowd of people. The building of Bell Tower of Cathedral is successfully being accomplished.

Today Cathedral Ensemble looks like this.