THE ROYAL SIGISMUND BELL

This bronze colossus cast in Cracow in 1520 is one of the the most important national symbols.

“The bell was hung in one the Wawel Castle’s old defensive towers which was made taller to house the bells. Cracovians had the first opportunity to hear the Sigismund bell ringing for the first time on the 13th of July 1521. The bell was commissioned by King Sigismund I the Old, whose idea was that it will “ring not only to the glory of God Most High, but also to the glory of the House of Jagiellons and the Polish Kingdom”. During the times of Poland’s bondage, the Sigismund Bell was one of the most important national symbols.

It can be said that Sigismund is the king of Polish bells and the ruler of Polish hearts. For half a millennium this instrument has marked important moments in history of the Polish nation and that of Europe. At the time it was made, the Republic of the Jagiellons played the leading role in the politics of the countries in the heart of Europe and influenced an area spreading to the ends of the continent. Later, during the difficult periods of bondage when the occupying powers erased the name of Poland from the map of Europe and consciously destroyed Polish regalia, the Sigismund Bell became one the most important national symbols.”  – by Wawel’s Cathedral site

I am  mesmerized by its shape  and adore its sound 🙂