The Royal Sigismund Bell — Attraction in Krakow

The Royal Sigismund Bell (Polish: Królewski Dzwon Zygmunt or Dzwon Zygmunta) is the largest of the five bells hanging in the Sigismund Tower of the Wawel Cathedral in the Polish city of Kraków. It was cast in 1520 by Hans Behem and named after King Sigismund I of Poland, who commissioned it. The bell weighs almost 13 tonnes (28 thousand pounds) and requires 12 bell-ringers to swing it. It tolls on special occasions, mostly religious and national holidays, and is regarded as one of Poland's national symbols. The bell regularly tolls on major Catholic holidays, Polish national holidays, and feast days of the patron saints of the bell, the cathedral, Kraków or all Poland. It also tolls on other special occasions at the discretion of the...

If you're in Krakow, don't miss the chance to see the Sigismund Bell. You can climb up the tower of the Wawel Cathedral and admire the bell up close. The view from the tower is also excellent.

The cathedral itself is worth a visit too. It's a beautiful and historical place with many artworks and tombs of Polish kings and heroes.

I recommend reading about the history of the bell before you go or joining a guided tour to learn more about it. Trust me. It's worth...

The Royal Sigismund Bell is the largest of the five bells hanging in the Sigismund Tower of the Wawel Cathedral in Kraków. It was cast in 1520 by Hans Behem and named after Sigismund I, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, who commissioned it. The bell weighs almost 13 tons and requires 12 bell-ringers to swing it. It tolls on special occasions, mostly religious and national holidays. It is regarded as one of Poland’s...