Maria Gloriosa, Medieval bell at Cathedral in Erfurt, Germany
Maria Gloriosa is a medieval bell housed in Erfurt Cathedral, measuring roughly 2.6 meters in diameter and 2 meters tall, weighing around 12,500 kilograms. It swings today through an electrical mechanism and ranks among the largest free-swinging bells still in regular daily use.
The bell was cast in 1497 by Dutch master Geert van Wou and ranks among the few surviving works from that era. Over the centuries it has undergone several repairs, including major work in the 1980s and 2000s, to keep it functioning today.
The name Maria Gloriosa honors the Virgin Mary and reflects the religious meaning behind its creation. Its ringing marks religious holidays and daily life in the cathedral, connecting residents of Erfurt across generations through a shared sound.
Access to view the bell requires climbing stairs in the cathedral tower, though the view from nearby can be somewhat limited. Best visit on a weekday to hear the daily ringing, especially at midday and evening hours.
The bell produces harmonious overtones in thirds, fifths, and octaves with each ring, helping musicians and acousticians evaluate its sound quality and character. This complex acoustic signature is uncommon in bells of this size and contributes to its standing among Europe's great medieval bells.
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