Bell Tower Framed with Snow Covered Trees

The remarkable five-storey belfry was built in baroque style in 1689, in the last year of Tsarevna Sophia’s regency. The 72 meters (236,2 feet) high bell tower sprang up to the east of Smolensky cathedral, the main and the oldest stone church of Novodevichy convent. The architects have encircled the ground level with an open gallery, skillfully concealing the massive walls up to 3 meters ( 9,8 feet) thick. The belfry was the crowning triumph of the «Moscow Baroque» style at Novodevichy cloister that had been reconstructed at the end of 17th century by orders of the first Russian tsarina.

Photo #064 taken on March 01, 2013 after heavy snowfall during tour of Novodevichy convent with my Dear clients from Australia, Richard and Stacy Host.