Originally, Pechory was built as an abode of hermits who lived in caves dug by them. In 1473, there was founded the Pechory Orthodox Monastery; the name came from the original Russian word “Pechory” – “cave”. At the end of the XV century, the settlement of Pechory grew near the monastery as the trading quarter of the Pskovo-Pechorsky monastery.

To the east of the Assumption Cathedral, there is the main monastery bell tower, or belfry, a stone structure made of several pillars placed in one line, from west to east. The Great Belfry is one of the largest architectural structures of this type. It has six main spans (bell platforms) and a seventh one, that was added later, forming a second layer. 

In his travel diary, the artist made a record: “...Pechory. One of the best places in Middle Russia. 20 versts from Izborsk. The monastery was developed in the times of John the Terrible. Many times they repulsed the attacks of Lithuanians and knights. A wonderful coziness. In the depths of a ravine, there is a courtyard filled with strange colorful buildings. Many of them are already deteriorated and should be repaired. Walls are all around the top of the hills. An interesting entrance with a huge image above the gate. The old sacristy, the belfry with painted clocks, pot-bellied houses with disproportionate cupolas give a special impression. Pechory a not well known, and most people do not realize in what a wonderful place this town is located”.