The bell tower of the Transfiguration Cathedral occupies a central place in the panorama of old Kovrov. It rises on a steep slope by the river and is visible from afar, serving as a landmark for travelers heading to Kovrov from the direction of Kameshkovo. The idea of building a new church in Kovrov, in addition to the existing Nativity of Christ Cathedral, was announced by the city Duma on February 26, 1874. The decision to erect the church in a location designated for a city garden was sent to Archbishop Antoniy Pavlinskiy in March of the same year by the city mayor of Kovrov, Ya.A. Mytarev. However, Archpriest Sila Alekseevich Arkhangelskiy did not support the project, believing that the church should be built further south, considering the city's expansion. His predictions turned out to be correct, as Kovrov significantly grew to the south. Moreover, he did not want to serve in two churches, as the new church was to be attached to the Nativity of Christ Cathedral. Nevertheless, the archpriest's arguments were not taken into account, and in August 1874, the Vladimir governor approved the project and the location for the church on the grounds of the city garden. The Vladimir archbishop also supported the Duma's decision, which was confirmed by a decree from the Vladimir spiritual consistory on September 20.

The cathedral was attached to the Nativity of Christ church, and its first priest was Alexey Grigorievich Radugin, who served until his death in 1905. The residents of Kovrov loved the new cathedral, calling it the 'new cathedral' and the 'red church.' People actively visited the Transfiguration Cathedral, donating for its development and decoration. In 1922, almost all valuable items were removed from the cathedral, leaving only what was necessary for worship. Among the confiscated silver, a diamond from the icon of the Sorrowful Mother of God was found. By the end of 1929, the church was still functioning, but soon work began to close it. After a series of decisions to terminate the agreement with the community and transfer the building to a 'house of physical culture,' the cathedral was closed by a decision of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee on June 20, 1931. However, the building did not become a house of physical culture; instead, it was used as a prison, dormitory, and warehouse. In the 1980s, it was decided to return the cathedral to the Church. Donations for its repair were deposited into a special account at one of the Kovrov banks. In 1991, the Transfiguration Cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. The fence around the church was restored, and the ringing of the bells once again welcomes parishioners, becoming a symbol of old and new Kovrov.