Poland’s most famous bell, Zygmunt – or Sigismund – from the Royal Wawel Cathedral in Krakow, southern Poland, is celebrating its 490th anniversary.

Founded by King Sigismund the Old, since the bell was mounted in the Cathedral tower on July 9, 1521, it has sounded on important religious and state occasions.

The bell first tolled on 13 July 1521. Cast of copper and zinc alloy by a maker from Nuremburg, Zygmunt measures almost 2.5 metres in diameter and is 2 metres high. 8 to 10 people are needed to ring Zygmunt.

The clapper (called the ‘heart’) itself weighs 300 kg and broke three times in the 19th century and for the fourth time in the year 2000. A new one was mounted in 2001.

According to legend, the voice of Zygmunt has the power to disperse clouds and bring out the sun. The ‘heart’ is also enthusiastically patted by visiting girls as it is supposed to bring luck in love and marriage. (ek/jb)