Sigismund Tower and Sigismund Bell

Sigismund Tower consists of the most known Polish bell - Sigismund Bell. The bell tolls only during the most important church holidays and national events.

In the beginning, Sigismund Tower was one of the defensive towers. In the 15th century, it was passed to the Wawel Cathedral and served as a bell ever since. In 1520, Sigismund I the Old founded the largest bell in Poland. It is the founder's name the bell bears.

It was made in a Kraków's bell foundry. The construction was supervised by Nuremberg's bell founder Hans Beham. Its bell-glass is decorated with depictions of Saint Stanislaus and Sigismund, Polish eagle, and the Lithuanian Pahonia. The bell's tongue weights 365 kg. It was cast in 2000 after cracks were discovered on the previous tongue. The old part was placed in Sigismund Tower.

Sigismund was the largest Polish bell until the end of the 20th century. Today, the first place belongs to the bell in the Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń. 8-12 bell-ringers are required in order to swing Sigismund Bell. It tolls only during special occasions.