White Tower, Bell tower in Brixen, Italy
The White Tower is a 72 meter tall bell tower in Brixen connected to Saint Michael parish church, featuring four oriels at its upper section. The structure houses 43 bells, including six main bells cast in 1922 and a death knell from 1899.
The tower was built in 1459 following a fire that destroyed the earlier structure, and took its current name in 1591 when the octagonal brick helmet was painted white. This renaming marked a significant change to the city's appearance.
The tower stands as a central landmark for the parish church and has shaped the city's soundscape for centuries through its ringing bells. Locals hear these bells marking the hours and celebrating religious occasions, making the structure an integral part of daily community life.
Inside, approximately 200 steps lead to different functional areas, including the clock mechanism and bell chambers on the upper floors. The climb requires some physical effort but offers visitors access to the inner workings of the structure.
Until World War II, a night watchman lived inside the tower's oriels, monitoring the surrounding area to protect the city from potential dangers. This residential role for the structure was an unusual function that no longer exists.
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