Glockenspiel, Clock tower in Essen, Germany

The Glockenspiel is a bell tower in central Essen with a mechanical system that sounds chimes at set times throughout the day. The tower displays traditional German architecture and is easily visible from the surrounding streets.

The carillon was first mounted in 1928 on the Deiter company's main store at Limbecker Straße 74. Its 26 bronze bells were cast between 1926 and 1929 by the Dutch foundry Petit & Fritsen. In 1940 the bells were hidden on Sauerland farms to save them from being melted down for the Nazi war economy. After the war they were remounted in 1949 at Kettwiger Straße 22, and the ensemble was listed as a monument on 7 July 2017.

Every quarter hour the carillon sounds the Westminster chime, then a miner figure strikes the hour with a hammer. Folk songs follow, among them "Am Brunnen vor dem Tore" and the miners' song "Steigerlied", and at Christmas the repertoire switches to carols. Two bronze burghers in medieval dress then ring small bells, announcing figures of Essen's history: Bishop Altfrid, Emperor Henry III, who granted market rights in 1041, and Abbess Theophanu.

The tower is freely accessible from the surrounding streets and the chimes sound regularly during the day. You can hear the bells from various spots around the tower and find seating on nearby benches.

The 26 bronze bells were cast between 1926 and 1929 by the Dutch foundry Petit & Fritsen. In 1940 they were hidden on farms in the Sauerland, which saved them from being melted down for the Nazi war economy; they were rehung in 1949. The hour is struck by a copper miner figure by sculptor Adolf Wamper.