Bell Tower
The Bell tower (with spire) is the dominant feature of this cathedral and the fortress. It serves several functions as part of the structure:
- It is an architectural symbol, an important part of its shape and of the Peter and Paul Fortress.
- It is a part of the imperial tomb - the tombs are on the ground floor.
- It is a lightning rod protecting the cathedral.
- It is a viewing platform upon which excursions meet each hour from 12:00 till 18:00.
- It houses a carillon upon which concerts are periodically performed.
When renovators were cleaning the angel on the spire in 1997, they found a note in a bottle left in one of the folds of the angel's gown. In the note, renovators from 1953 apologized for what they felt was rushed and shoddy work (Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev wanted the angel refurbished for the 250th anniversary of the city that year). It is said that the renovators in 1997 left another message for future generations, but the contents of that message have not been revealed.
Read more about this topic: Peter And Paul Cathedral
Famous quotes containing the words bell and/or tower:
“The sad, the lonely, the insatiable,
To these Old Night shall all her mystery tell;
God’s bell has claimed them by the little cry
Of their sad hearts, that may not live nor die.”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)
“So was produced this tragedy
In a far tower of ivory
Where, O young men, late in the night
All you who drink light and stroke the air
Come back, seeking the night, and cry
To strict Rapunzel to let down her hair.”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)