- Address: Barrack Square Riverside Drive, Perth, Australia
- Contact phone: +61 8 6210 0444
- Website: www.thebelltower.com.au
- Working time: daily from 10:00
- Ticket price: admission for adults - 10AUD (8 USD), for students - 7AUD (5,6 USD), for children under 5 years - free of charge
The bell tower of Perth is the visiting card of the city, it is one of the brightest sights in the west of Australia and undoubtedly an asset in the category of futuristic monuments.
History of creation
The bell tower of Perth has a rich historical heritage. Today it includes 18 bells, 12 of which date back to the 14th century and were made in London. The ringing of these bells marked such memorable events for Australia as the victory of England over the Spanish Armada (1588), the return from the circumnavigation of Captain Cook (1771), the coronation of English kings (since 1727). On the day of the 200th anniversary of the Independence of Australia (1988), the bells were transferred to Perth . The belfry was opened on December 10, 2000. Over the entire period of its existence, 1 million tourists witnessed its beauty and majesty.
What is interesting about the bell tower of Perth?
First of all, it is worth noting that this monument of architecture and art is the greatest musical instrument due to the presence in it, including the old bells, the ringing of which for many centuries has pleased the visitors. The idea of the builders was such that the bell ringing did not interfere with the people working nearby. So it turned out, the ringing of bells is best heard on the dock, and it can be done on strictly defined days and hours: on Mondays, Thursdays and public holidays from 12:00 to 13:00. Externally, the bell tower is a spiky tower 82.5 meters high, similar in shape to 2 giant sails. Its name translates as "Swan Tower".
For the manufacture of the bell tower of Perth, glass and bronze were used, which gives the structure both an appeal and greatness. The building is recognized as the most real architectural masterpiece in the city, and by attendance far surpasses other interesting places of Perth. The belfry is even awarded the Gold Medal, received for its recognition as the main attraction of Western Australia.
Around the tower you can see an unusual trail of ceramic tiles in the form of a mosaic. This mosaic is interesting because it was made by school children in Western Australia, each tile is signed by a child, and the entire track is laid out alphabetically.
Inside the bell tower there is a large collection of antique watches, bells (among them there are rare Asian bells) and optical instruments, which is replenished with new artifacts thanks to the searches of local workers. While visiting the building, watch a film about the history of the erection of the monument and, of course, listen to the bell ringing. There is an audiovisual system that broadcasts images from different tower levels to 1 large screen and 8 smaller screens, which allows you to see and appreciate not only the ringing of bells, but also the panoramas of the city and the skill of bell ringers. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to try their hands completely free of charge as a bell ringer.
In the evening, the building of the bell tower of Perth is highlighted by different colors thanks to a special computer lighting system. The shades change each other, illuminating the dark night sky and giving the city a festive and festive look.
How to visit?
This architectural monument found its refuge on the bank of the Swan River, on the berth at Barrak Street, in the center of the Australian city of Perth. To enjoy the beauty and majesty of the Perth bell tower, you must first fly to the International Airport in Sydney , and from there on domestic flights - to Perth. Perth Airport is located 15 km from the city. Go to the city center, where the bell tower is located, you can use the shuttle, taxi services or rent a car.
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