The Rostov Kremlin, a pearl of Russian architecture of the 17th century, was built according to a single artistic pattern on the initiative of Metropolitan Jonah Sysoevich, built by Pyotr Dossayev, a brilliant artist. The Dormition Cathedral with its five majestic onion domes is the ensemble's oldest structure (16th century), adjoining it towers the Belfry (1682-1687) with a unique set of bells. Near the Dormition Cathedral spreads out the metropolis itself, built to a single pattern and made up of churches, cathedrals, chambers, dwellings, store-houses, etc. All the structures are encircled with stone walls capped here and there with towers, which make the metropolis resemble a Russian Kremlin.