The architectural ensemble of the monastery includes a bell tower located on the axis of the western entrance to the Epiphany Church. Originally, it was a tent-shaped structure, but in the mid-19th century, a new one was built in its place, which has survived to this day. The bell tower is designed in the classical style and consists of three tiers, each pierced by arched openings on four sides. The first tier features openings that serve as a passageway with massive wrought-iron gates. Between the outer arches inside the passage, there is a flat wooden ceiling, and the passage under the arches is paved with slabs. On the northern side of the entrance gates, there is a small door leading to the chapel, and another door leads to the bell tower. On either side of the lower tier are rectangular annexes with small towers and tall spires. The main volume of the bell tower is adorned with pilasters. The middle tier is smaller in size, while the third is crowned with a dome and a high spire, housing the bell chamber with four open pointed arches. The sequential reduction of the tiers and their division by arches gives the bell tower a sense of severity and lightness. To the right of the bell tower are the cells for the brethren, and to the left is the refectory. These buildings are single-story, stone, with a gable roof.
The report on the Church of the Epiphany from 1831 indicates that a new stone bell tower is being built in place of the old one. In 1845, it was noted that the bell tower was rebuilt in stone. In October 1873, a hurricane damaged the spire of the bell tower, which marked the beginning of a major renovation during which the structure was completely rebuilt.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first.
To leave a comment, sign in with Google.