The Nativity Cathedral is the main Orthodox cathedral of Chisinau and the seat of the Metropolitan of Moldova. Built between 1830-1836 in neoclassical Russian-Byzantine style, it was designed by architect Abraham Melnikov. The cathedral was severely damaged during World War II and its bell tower was demolished by Soviet authorities in 1962. After Moldova's independence, the bell tower was reconstructed in 1997, restoring the cathedral to its original appearance. The interior features beautiful frescoes and iconostasis.