In Krakow, our local guide had secured access to the famous bell tower at the Wawel Cathedral. With the entire group gathered round the 14-ton bell, the guide explained that it also carried a legend: Should an unmarried person touch the bell, he or she will be married within the year. Everyone (including Andy's mother) encouraged him to touch the bell. A few months after the tour, Andy called us with the news he was getting married -- and to one of the chaperons he had met on the tour! Andy and Jen are happily married with two beautiful little girls. Accolades itineraries are second-to-none, yet off-itinerary moments can be just as memorable. |
More About The Royal Sigismund Bell
It is rung on special occasions, mostly religious and national holidays, and is regarded as one of Poland's national symbols. The body of the Sigismund Bell is cast in bronze and weighs 9,650 kg. Its diameter at the lip is 242 cm and its height is 241 cm.[1] The wall of the body is from 7 to 21 cm thick.[2] The crown of the bell is attached to a yoke made of oak wood and measuring 308 cm in length and 219 cm in height. Within the bell, suspended on a leather belt of up to 12 layers, attached to an iron supporting structure, is a Gothic clapper, weighing – together with the belt – 365 kg.[1] | image and history courtesy wikipedia |