Among the buildings of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, the white-stone belfry stands out, erected in the mid-18th century on the site of an old wooden one. This structure was unique for its time, as architects did not attempt to replicate or surpass its height for a long time. The belfry is the tallest in Russia, reaching 88 meters, which is 11 meters higher than the bell tower of the Novodevichy Convent and six meters taller than Ivan the Great's belfry in the Moscow Kremlin.

The belfry project was developed by 1740, and that same year, Empress Anna Ioannovna approved its construction. However, the start of work was delayed due to disputes over the exact location of the structure. In 1741, the disagreements were resolved, and construction began, continuing until 1770.

In 1748, the Tsar Bell, weighing 65 tons, was cast for the belfry in the courtyard of the lavra. Initially, 42 bells were installed on the belfry, later increasing to 50.

In 1930, the bells were removed, and only some were transferred to the Sergiev Museum, while the rest were melted down.

From 1999 to 2001, a large-scale restoration of the belfry was carried out. In the following years, three large bells were recast, including the Tsar Bell, which was delivered to the lavra and installed on the belfry in 2004.

Today, the lavra's Tsar Bell is the largest functioning bell in the Orthodox world, weighing 72 tons, with a tongue that weighs another two tons. A total of 33 bells are installed on the belfry, the oldest of which, "Chudotvorets" or "Nokonovsky," was cast in 1420 during the tenure of Abbot Nikon, a successor of Sergius of Radonezh.

From 2012 to 2016, extensive restoration work was carried out: the white stone, facades, porches, drainage system, gilding of the clock and crown, internal walls and vaults of the ringing tiers were updated, the roof was recreated, and the porches, internal staircases, and internal surfaces of the ringing tiers were restored.