Giant Bell, Krakow

One of the many attractions in the Wawel Cathedral is the Giant Bell or the Royal Sigismund Bell. It is the largest out of the five bells that hang in the tower of the Cathedral. The bell was cast by Hans Behem in 1520 after being commissioned by King Sigismund I. The bell is cast in bronze, weighs a whooping 9,650 kilograms and has a diameter measuring up to 9 feet. The clapper that chimes the bell weighs about 365 kilograms and is attached to the instrument by leather belts that fasten it to the bell in 12 layers.

The mighty bell is ceremoniously rung on every Christian holiday, feast and significant days in the history of Poland. Till date, this huge bell is rung manually and its takes a healthy dozen to do so. It takes 12 men, six on either side to ring the Giant Bell. The act demands a great deal of coordination and strength. An honorary badge symbolizing the Bell is even given to the one that has rung the Bell over 50 times. The Badge is even given as a symbol to honour achievements of an individual in the state. Undoubtedly, the Giant Bell is one of the national symbols of the Poland.