Zygmunt Bell
The Sigismund Bell or the Zygmunt Bell?
The bell is commonly known as the Sigismund Bell, which refers to its founder and namesake: King Sigismund I the Old. However, the correct name is "Zygmunt Bell" - just like people have their names, bells are given a solemn christening (Zygmunt was christened on July 13, 1521).
Zygmunt Bell - Sightseeing, Tickets
Entry to the tower with the Zygmunt Bell is paid - tickets can be purchased at the Cathedral ticket office (it is a combined ticket, allowing also for visiting the royal crypts and the Cathedral Museum).
To reach the Zygmunt Tower and the Zygmunt Bell, we enter from inside the cathedral, on the left side of the main entrance to the church.
Before we start climbing the stairs, it is worth stopping by a reproduction of Jan Matejko's painting "The Hanging of the Zygmunt Bell on the Cathedral Tower in Krakow in 1521" - we will see King Sigismund I the Old with his family, as well as his famous jester Sta艅czyk (the original painting is in the National Museum in Warsaw).
Next to the painting, you will also find the first, unfortunately, cracked heart of the bell:
Entering the Zygmunt Bell
Wooden stairs lead to the bell, and at some places the passages will be very narrow. Fortunately, the movement is one-way - there is no need to pass by those descending from the tower.
On the way to Zygmunt and while descending from the tower, we will also see several other bells, often referred to as "older brothers" of Zygmunt.
Zygmunt Bell - Facts and Trivia
- The Zygmunt Bell is no longer the largest bell in Poland - in 1999, it was surpassed by a bell in Liche艅.
- The bell rings about 30 times a year - on religious and national holidays, as well as important moments for Krakow and Poland.
- The bell is rung by members of the Wawel Bell Ringers Brotherhood (usually about 8-12 people), and the profession is passed down from father to son.
- Supposedly, touching the heart of the bell grants a wish (think of it in secret!).
- Notice that the wooden structure on which the bell hangs is separate from the walls of the tower - this is to prevent the vibrations of the bell from causing the walls to crack.
- Legends about the Zygmunt Bell say that it contains the fused silver armor of King Sigismund, the batons of the hetmans, and the ring of the bell founder's mother. Allegedly, its sound awakens the knights sleeping under Mount Giewont and the buried kings of Poland at Wawel. There is also a certain "authentic legend" - a story about a mischievous little boy named Stasio (you can read it below).
Zygmunt Bell - Viewpoint
From the Zygmunt Tower, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Old Town - can you recognize all the towers?
Publish Date: 2021-09-07