#uniquedestinations
The Church of St Anne is a church located in the Shandon district of Cork in Ireland and its famous for its bell tower and bells, known as Shandon Bells.
Church of St Anne
Cork is the second largest city in the country and has an important cultural and musical tradition. The church of St Anne is one of the most important ecclesiastical structures of any period in Cork. The name Shandon comes from the Irish, Sean Dún, meaning “old fort”. Built in the 18th century, the church is on a hill overlooking the River Lee. The church tower is a landmark and symbol of the city. The church bells were referred to in a popular Irish folk song. As it was built with two types of stone (red sandstone and white limestone), some historians believe that there is a connection between the red and white materials and the colours represent the city of Cork.
The Bells of Shandon
The church is famous, as we have already mentioned, for its 8 bells. The largest weighs a little over 1.5 tonnes. To reduce vibration, the builders placed them in a fixed position. Today, visitors can climb to the first floor and ring the bells themselves. There is a textbook to guide you into playing popular songs. You can play tunes such as Hey Jude, The Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, Kumbaya My Lord, e. al..
The bell tower, on the other hand, is 36.5 m (120 ft) high. Moreover, the pepperpot adornment on the tower extends the height a further 15 m (50 ft). The McOsterich family of Cork, who was responsible for the design and building of the tower, has to this day a special privilege. Whenever a member of the family marries, anywhere in the world, the bells ring out in their honour. On top of this pepper pot is a weather vane in the form of a salmon, representing the fishing of the River Lee.
The church is free to visit but there is an entrance fee is for the bells and tower. For more information visit the official site of the church.
