The central square of Lipetsk is considered Sobornaya Ploschad (Cathedral Square) which gets its name from the Nativity of Christ Eparchial Cathedral.  Work began on the construction of the cathedral in 1791 upon the orders of Empress Catherine the Great. The main building of the cathedral was completed in 1803 but subsequently damaged in a fire and only consecrated in 1805. Further construction work continued and two side chapels were consecrated in 1807 and 1816. In 1825 work started on the cathedral's main feature - it beautiful classical-style bell tower. In 1842 the completed bell tower was attached to the main body of the cathedral via a closed vestibule and the construction was considered completed. In 1931 the cathedral was closed and used as a regional museum, it was only returned to the Orthodox Church in 1991. Since 2003 the cathedral has been the eparchial cathedral of the Lipetsk and Yelets Eparchy.