Initially, the monastery used a small belfry at the old cathedral. In 1836, the construction of a separate stone belfry, 35 fathoms tall, began. However, due to a weak foundation and masonry, it suddenly collapsed during lunch on September 22, 1840, causing no harm to people or buildings. From the remaining bricks, two residential buildings, a hotel, a stable, and a carpentry workshop were later constructed.

The construction of a new belfry began in May 1847 under the guidance of provincial architect I. P. Lutokhin. By 1849, a majestic five-tiered belfry, covered with white iron and 33 fathoms high, was completed. It housed 10 bells, the largest weighing 646 poods, which was raised in 1856. Other bells weighed 317, 157, 52 poods, and so on. In clear weather, the sound of the bells could be heard from 10-12 versts away. From the third tier, there was a view of the surroundings, including the city of Bryansk and the Svensky Monastery.

In the early 20th century, a clock with a chime was installed between the third and fourth tiers. The dial, black with gilded numbers, had a diameter of about one and a half meters, allowing the time to be seen from two kilometers away. The mechanism was connected to the bells on the third tier and struck the time every 15 minutes. The clock operated from two ropes with weights of 40-50 kg, which were lifted using a winch, and one winding lasted for two weeks.

Around 1926, due to the children from the orphanage, the entire internal wooden part of the belfry, along with the clock, burned down. In the surviving brick structure, the forestry service equipped a tower for detecting forest fires. At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the belfry, which served as a landmark for enemy aviation, was completely destroyed.