Bear Bell Tower, Aosta, Aosta Valley, Italy, Europe

The imposing Romanesque bell tower, 44 meters high, which stands in the churchyard in an isolated position, was built in the 12th century as part of a defensive system consisting of a city wall and a second large tower. It served as a refuge in case of danger. The lower part is the original one, made up of enormous squared boulders, the upper part is probably from the 13th century, while the clock already existed in 1642. Inside the tower houses an imposing bell system of 12 bells, some of which are fixed while others with retro lance, i.e. half momentum with flying clapper. The entire concert rests on an ancient wooden castle. The major bell was cast in France in 1589 and its weight is kg or half that of the old major bell of the Vatican; it is in fact the largest bell in the Aosta Valley and one of the most impressive in the entire Alpine range. Its note is a B2. Two other historic bells present are the “Petite“ (1516) and the “Bourgeoise“ (1641).