Bell tower, Bell tower in Old Town, Vilnius, Lithuania.
This 52-meter tall bell tower stands as one of the oldest and tallest structures in Vilnius Old Town, featuring an octagonal design with thick stone walls and copper-covered helmet-shaped roof topped by decorative copper vases.
Originally constructed in the 13th century as part of the defensive fortifications around the Lower Castle, the tower served military purposes before being converted into a cathedral bell tower during the 16th century transformation period.
The tower houses a historic bell collection brought from Cologne Archdiocese in 2002, with bells ranging from half a ton to 2.6 tons, continuing the Catholic tradition of bell ringing that dates back to the 7th century.
Open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, the tower offers entrance for €6 for adults and €4 for students and pensioners, though access is limited due to wheelchair inaccessibility.
Visitors can experience the interactive educational program called 'Gedimino sapnas' which tells the legend of Vilnius founding through computer games and video cameras provide virtual tours of the city from above.
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