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:
“One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent during the middle years is feeling powerless to protect our children from hurt. However “growthful” it may be for them to experience failure, disappointment and rejection, it is nearly impossible to maintain an intellectual perspective when our sobbing child or rageful child comes in to us for help. . . . We can’t turn the hurt around by kissing the sore spot to make it better. We are no longer the all-powerful parent.”
—Ruth Davidson Bell (20th century)
“Shall I still be love’s house on the widdershin earth,
Woe to the windy masons at my shelter?
Love’s house, they answer, and the tower death
Lie all unknowing of the grave sin-eater.”
—Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)