Torre do Sino da Catedral de Vilnius

The Bell Tower is an essential element of the Vilnius Cathedral-Basilica and the Lower and Upper Castles, it is one of the vertically dominant objects of the Old Town and the symbol of the city. In the 13th century the tower was part of the defensive wall. Almost the entire first floor of the old tower has been preserved to this day. In the 16th century, the defensive tower became the cathedral's bell tower, but it acquired its current appearance in the early 19th century. The bell tower is 52 m high, including the cross it measures 57 m.

A beautiful view of the city opens up from the bell tower, one of the oldest and tallest towers in the old town. Vilnius residents and visitors will be able to see the Bell Exhibition, the Old City Clock, and historical pictorial reconstructions of the Bell Tower and the Cathedral. Video surveillance cameras are installed on the upper floor of the bell tower, which should make it easier for visitors to get to know the city and important architectural monuments.

Various guided tours, educational programs and events are organized by the Church Heritage Museum in the bell tower. In May-September the bell tower will be open to visitors on working days and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the cold season - one hour shorter.

Beautiful square with an imposing cathedral and bell tower

The free-standing bell tower was originally a round defense tower of the Lower Castle from the second half of the 14th century. The shot ports on the outside are still visible today. Its foundations are now 1.2 meters deep in the ground. It is believed that it served as a bell tower as early as the 15th century and was increased by an octagonal Gothic-style storey. In the 16th century it was increased by two more floors (~1550 and 1598).[5] After the fire of 1610, the damaged bell tower also had to be restored. The clocks are from the 17th century, the hood from 1897. Due to its age and the soft ground, the tower is now slightly crooked. Today it has a height of 52 m (57 m with the cross).