Overview:

The bell tower of the Annunziata Church in Monemvasia, Greece is a unique historic landmark. Built in 1563 by the Venetians, it stands at 72 feet tall and is connected to the church via a stone bridge. The bell tower houses two bells, which represent the two languages spoken in Monemvasia – Greek and Latin. The Latin bell is said to have originally come from Istanbul after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Atop the bell tower is a wooden cross which was installed in 1987, replacing the earlier Greek flag which flew there for many years. The bell tower has undergone several modifications throughout history including an early electric lighting system and a radio transmitter during World War II. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

The Bell Tower of the Annunziata Church in Patras, Greece, is one of the most prominent features of the city. The bell tower, which is located on the northeast side of the church, is the tallest building in the city and stands at an impressive 68 metres tall. Although it is made of stone, it is actually composed of two parts: the lower portion is a tall cylindrical structure with four buttresses at the corners, while the upper part is a polygonal structure, which is topped by a dome. Inside its walls house the largest bells in the Peloponnese region, the biggest being the 3 tonne “Big Bell”, which is rung on a daily basis. The tower was built in 1855 and is a remarkable piece of architecture which stands in stark contrast to the traditional Greek architecture of the city’s other buildings. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

The Bell Tower of the Annunziata Church is situated in the city of Patras, in the Peloponnese region of Greece. The Church of the Annunciation was built in the 14th century by the Venetians, who were then in the process of taking control of the city from the Byzantines. The Bell Tower was built at the end of the 15th century by the same architects and builders that designed the church and adjacent monastery complex. It is a two-story, white-painted structure, constructed out of clay and limestone blocks, with a square base of 54 x 54 meters and a height of 25 meters. Its walls are adorned with arches and corbels, giving it a medieval-looking facade. At the top of the Bell Tower, there are seven bells of various sizes and shapes. The largest bell is named “Agioi Dimitrios” in honor of the city’s patron saint. This bell is rung every day during religious celebrations. In addition to its regular use as a bell tower, the Annunciation Bell Tower also holds historical significance. During the Ottoman occupation of Greece in the 16th century, it was used as a prison for political prisoners. It also served as a sighting point for defending the city in battles with the Turks. Although it suffered minor damage over the centuries, the Bell Tower is still standing today as a reminder of the city's rich and varied history. It is one of the most beloved landmarks of Patras and is a popular stop for tourists to the city. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Bell Tower of the Annunziata Church stands at a height of 48 metres and is the tallest structure in the city of Kalamata, the capital of Messenia, in south western Greece. 2. The bell tower is one of the most distinctive landmarks of the city and dates back to the late 14th century. 3. The original bell was replaced by four bells in 1768. 4. During the 1821 revolution, a canon placed on the top of the tower was used to repel the invading Ottomans. 5. The bell tower was seriously damaged in an earthquake in 1986, but thankfully it was restored to it's original beauty. 6. The bells of the bell tower are rung at 8.00am and 5.00pm daily and announce significant holidays and events to the city of Kalamata. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era