The Bell Tower of Granada Cathedral

From several points of the city you can appreciate the majesty of the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Granada. Therefore, today we are going to show you the most important facts about its architecture and construction.

Would you like to know the history of the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Granada? Stay and read our post, we show you everything you need to know below!

Architecture of the Bell Tower of Granada Cathedral

The bell tower of Granada Cathedral is 57 metres high and is divided into three sections, each of which was built in a different architectural order.

The first section was begun by Diego de Siloé until 1564, when the work was taken over by Juan de Maeda, who opted for a Doric style. Ambrosio de Vico finished the Ionic second section and the Corinthian third section. The construction of the tower was completed in 1589.

All the sections are square in plan and there is an accentuation of the verticality where ornamental elements such as elongated corbels, cartouches or curved triglyphs, among others, are incorporated.

It is worth noting that between 1592 and 1602 the tower was consolidated, with vaults being dismantled and staircases being added to ensure its safety and strength.

Bells of the Granada Cathedral Tower

From 1588 onwards, the twelve bells and the four esquilones began to be placed in the Tower of the Cathedral of Granada, giving a name to each of these elements. Thus, the most popular bell is the one known as San Pedro, popularly known as the Petra or the Alba bell, as it is responsible for calling the dawn mass.

We should also mention the Santa María de la Concepción bell, which was rung during Lent to call the choir and the bell of San Antón or the fire bell, responsible for warning the neighbours in case of risk or danger.

Curiosities of the Tower of the Cathedral of Granada

Although many people do not know this information, the truth is that Siloé's project for the Cathedral of Granada consisted of the construction of two incredible towers that would reach a height of 81 metres.

Moreover, the initial project was devised by Enrique Egas, who drew up plans very similar to those of Toledo Cathedral and began work on the project in 1521. However, in 1528 he was replaced by Diego de Siloé, as the latter was considered to be a more innovative artist.

Thanks to Siloé's drawings of the towers of Granada Cathedral, we know that his intention was to create two structures of six sections crowned by a spire, with various decorative elements pointing upwards to gain height.

However, when the fourth square section was to be built, it was decided to make it octagonal, due to a lack of resources. When it was finished, however, it was realised that the tower's foundations were failing and it was decided to dismantle the fourth section.

Likewise, the works for the construction of the second tower were postponed due to both economic reasons and the impossibility of carrying out Siloé's idea.

Why visit the Cathedral of Granada?

As you have seen throughout this article about the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Granada, the work of great architects and sculptors have made this tower hide a great history between its facades.

Would you like to get more information about the Cathedral of Granada? Buy your tickets on the official website of the Archdiocese of Granada and discover this impressive monument!