List of heaviest bells
Encyclopedia
Following is a list of the heaviest bells known to have been cast, and the period of time during which they held that title.
is the largest bell to have existed in recorded history. Cast in 1484 by King Dhammazedi of Burma, this bell was located at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar). The bell was said to be twelve cubit
s (6.276 m) high and eight cubits (4.184 m) wide. Click here to see a drawing of the bell as it appeared while still at the Shwedagon Pagoda.
The Great Bell of Dhammazedi remained at the Shwedagon Pagoda as the heaviest functioning bell in the world until 1602. That year, Portuguese
warlord and mercenary
Philip de Brito
removed it and attempted to carry it by a specially constructed raft down the Yangon River
to his stronghold of Thanlyin
(later known as Syriam). However, the ship carrying the bell sank at the confluence of the Yangon and Bago
rivers. The Dhammazedi Bell remains buried to this day at that location, possibly well-preserved, beneath some 25 feet (7.6 m) of sediment. Numerous attempts have been made to locate and recover the bell, thus far without success.
So while the Great Bell of Dhammazedi might indeed be the heaviest bell in the world, it must be disqualified from consideration as such, until it has been recovered and restored to a functional status.
, Japan
, held the title of heaviest functioning bell in the world until 1810.
From March 1839 until March 1896, the Mingun Bell was not functional due to the fact that it was not hanging freely from its shackle
s. During this period, the Chion-in Temple Bell regained its former title.
in Mingun
, Sagaing Division
, Burma became the heaviest functioning bell in the world from its suspension in 1810 until 23 March 1839. On that date, it was knocked off its supports by a large earthquake
. Click here to see a photograph of the Mingun Bell as it appeared in the late 1800s.
The Mingun Bell was resuspended in March 1896 by a team of men from the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company
. The Mingun Bell was again the world's heaviest functioning bell from its resuspension in 1896 until 1902.
The Mingun Bell regained its status as the heaviest functioning bell in the world in 1942.
was hung in Osaka
, Japan. The Shitennō-ji Temple Bell reigned as the heaviest functioning bell in the world from that year until 1942, when it was melted down for its metal to assist with the then-ongoing World War II
effort.
is located in the Foquan Temple in Pingdingshan
, Henan
, China
. The bell weighs 116 metric tons and it is 810.8 cm (318 in) in height and 511.8 cm (201 in) in diameter. The Bell of Good Luck has therefore claimed the title of heaviest functioning bell in the world since its construction in 2000, up to the present date.
Tsar Bell (also known as the Tsar Kolokol III) on display on the grounds of the Moscow Kremlin
is the heaviest bell known to exist in the world today. However, a very large piece broke off from the Tsar Bell during its casting in 1737, so this irreparably damaged bell has never been suspended or rung. The Tsar Bell cannot be considered as the heaviest functioning bell in the world due to its inability to serve as a percussion instrument
. Rather, it may be considered to be the largest bell-shaped sculpture
in the world.
Heaviest functioning bell in the world
The title of most massive functioning bell in the world has been held chronologically by:| Year | lb | tons | kg | Bell | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 732 | 96,000 | 48 | 43,545 | To-dai-ji Temple Bell Todai-ji , is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ... |
Surpassed |
| 1484 | 655,000 | 327.5 | 297,103 | Great Bell of Dhammazedi Great Bell of Dhammazedi The Great Bell of Dhammazedi is a bronze bell, believed to be the largest bell ever cast. It was cast on 5 February 1484 by order of King Dhammazedi of Hanthawaddy Pegu, and was given as a present to the Shwedagon Pagoda of Dagon .... |
Sunk during transport |
| 1602 | 96,000 | 48 | 43,545 | To-dai-ji Temple Bell | Surpassed |
| 1633 | 148,000 | 74 | 67,132 | Chion-in Temple Bell | Surpassed |
| 1810 | 195,000 | 97.5 | 88,451 | Mingun Bell Mingun Bell The Mingun Bell is a bell located in Mingun, Sagaing Region, Myanmar. It is located approximately north of Mandalay on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River.-Description:The weight of the bell is 55,555 viss... |
Fell during earthquake |
| 1839 | 148,000 | 74 | 67,132 | Chion-in Temple Bell | Surpassed |
| 1896 | 195,000 | 97.5 | 88,451 | Mingun Bell | Surpassed |
| 1902 | 251,000 | 125.5 | 113,852 | Shitennō-ji Temple Bell Shitenno-ji is a Buddhist temple in Osaka, Japan.Prince Shōtoku is said to have constructed this temple in 593. It is the first Buddhist and oldest officially administered temple in Japan, although the temple buildings have been rebuilt over the centuries. Most of the present structures are from when the... |
Recycled for war |
| 1942 | 195,000 | 97.5 | 88,451 | Mingun Bell | Surpassed |
| 2000 | 255,200 | 127.6 | 115,757 | Bell of Good Luck Bell of Good Luck The Bell of Good Luck is a large bell located in Foquan Temple in Pingdingshan, Henan, China. The bell weighs 116 metric tons, and is 8.108 metres in height and 5.118 metres in diameter at its widest point... |
Incumbent |
The Great Bell of Dhammazedi
At approximately 300 tons, the Great Bell of DhammazediGreat Bell of Dhammazedi
The Great Bell of Dhammazedi is a bronze bell, believed to be the largest bell ever cast. It was cast on 5 February 1484 by order of King Dhammazedi of Hanthawaddy Pegu, and was given as a present to the Shwedagon Pagoda of Dagon ....
is the largest bell to have existed in recorded history. Cast in 1484 by King Dhammazedi of Burma, this bell was located at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar). The bell was said to be twelve cubit
Cubit
The cubit is a traditional unit of length, based on the length of the forearm. Cubits of various lengths were employed in many parts of the world in Antiquity, in the Middle Ages and into Early Modern Times....
s (6.276 m) high and eight cubits (4.184 m) wide. Click here to see a drawing of the bell as it appeared while still at the Shwedagon Pagoda.
The Great Bell of Dhammazedi remained at the Shwedagon Pagoda as the heaviest functioning bell in the world until 1602. That year, Portuguese
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
warlord and mercenary
Mercenary
A mercenary, is a person who takes part in an armed conflict based on the promise of material compensation rather than having a direct interest in, or a legal obligation to, the conflict itself. A non-conscript professional member of a regular army is not considered to be a mercenary although he...
Philip de Brito
Philip de Brito
Filipe de Brito e Nicote or Nga Zinga was a Portuguese adventurer and mercenary in Rakhine service.Born to French father in Lisbon, Portugal, de Brito first traveled to Southeast Asia as a cabin boy. He eventually served under the King of Arakan, and became governor of Thanlyin in 1599...
removed it and attempted to carry it by a specially constructed raft down the Yangon River
Yangon River
The Yangon River is formed by the confluence of the Pegu and Myitmaka rivers and is a marine estuary that runs from Yangon emptying into the Gulf of Martaban of the Andaman Sea...
to his stronghold of Thanlyin
Thanlyin
Thanlyin is a major port city of Myanmar, located across Bago River from the city of Yangon. Thanlyin Township comprises 17 quarters and 28 village tracts. It is home to the largest port in the country, Thilawa port.-History:...
(later known as Syriam). However, the ship carrying the bell sank at the confluence of the Yangon and Bago
Bago River
Bago River is a river of southern Burma. It flows through Bago and Yangon. It arises in the hills of the Pegu Range and flows into the Myitmaka River which below that point is called the Yangon River.-References:...
rivers. The Dhammazedi Bell remains buried to this day at that location, possibly well-preserved, beneath some 25 feet (7.6 m) of sediment. Numerous attempts have been made to locate and recover the bell, thus far without success.
So while the Great Bell of Dhammazedi might indeed be the heaviest bell in the world, it must be disqualified from consideration as such, until it has been recovered and restored to a functional status.
The Chion-in Temple Bell
Cast in 1633, the 74-ton Chion-in Temple Bell, located in KyotoKyoto
is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, held the title of heaviest functioning bell in the world until 1810.
From March 1839 until March 1896, the Mingun Bell was not functional due to the fact that it was not hanging freely from its shackle
Shackle
A shackle, also known as a gyve, is a U-shaped piece of metal secured with a clevis pin or bolt across the opening, or a hinged metal loop secured with a quick-release locking pin mechanism...
s. During this period, the Chion-in Temple Bell regained its former title.
The Mingun Bell
Cast in 1808, the 90-ton Mingun BellMingun Bell
The Mingun Bell is a bell located in Mingun, Sagaing Region, Myanmar. It is located approximately north of Mandalay on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River.-Description:The weight of the bell is 55,555 viss...
in Mingun
Mingun
Mingun is a town in Sagaing Region, northwest Myanmar , located 11 km up the Ayeyarwady River on the west bank from Mandalay. Its main attraction is the ruined Mingun Pahtodawgyi.-Mingun Pahtodawgyi:...
, Sagaing Division
Sagaing Division
Sagaing Region is an administrative region of Burma , located in the north-western part of the country between latitude 21° 30' north and longitude 94° 97' east...
, Burma became the heaviest functioning bell in the world from its suspension in 1810 until 23 March 1839. On that date, it was knocked off its supports by a large earthquake
Earthquake
An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time...
. Click here to see a photograph of the Mingun Bell as it appeared in the late 1800s.
The Mingun Bell was resuspended in March 1896 by a team of men from the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company
Irrawaddy Flotilla Company
The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company was a passenger and cargo ferry company, which operated services on the Irrawaddy River in Burma, now Myanmar. The IFC was Scottish-owned, and was managed by P Henderson & Company from Glasgow. The IFC operated from 1865 until the late 1940s...
. The Mingun Bell was again the world's heaviest functioning bell from its resuspension in 1896 until 1902.
The Mingun Bell regained its status as the heaviest functioning bell in the world in 1942.
The Shitennō-ji Temple Bell
In 1902, the newly-cast 114-ton Shitennō-ji Temple BellShitenno-ji
is a Buddhist temple in Osaka, Japan.Prince Shōtoku is said to have constructed this temple in 593. It is the first Buddhist and oldest officially administered temple in Japan, although the temple buildings have been rebuilt over the centuries. Most of the present structures are from when the...
was hung in Osaka
Osaka
is a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu, a designated city under the Local Autonomy Law, the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and also the biggest part of Keihanshin area, which is represented by three major cities of Japan, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe...
, Japan. The Shitennō-ji Temple Bell reigned as the heaviest functioning bell in the world from that year until 1942, when it was melted down for its metal to assist with the then-ongoing World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
effort.
The Bell of Good Luck
Cast on New Year's Eve 2000, the Bell of Good LuckBell of Good Luck
The Bell of Good Luck is a large bell located in Foquan Temple in Pingdingshan, Henan, China. The bell weighs 116 metric tons, and is 8.108 metres in height and 5.118 metres in diameter at its widest point...
is located in the Foquan Temple in Pingdingshan
Pingdingshan
Pingdingshan , also known as the Eagle City, with approximately 5.2 million inhabitants is a prefecture-level city in central Henan province, People's Republic of China.-Geography:...
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. The bell weighs 116 metric tons and it is 810.8 cm (318 in) in height and 511.8 cm (201 in) in diameter. The Bell of Good Luck has therefore claimed the title of heaviest functioning bell in the world since its construction in 2000, up to the present date.
The Tsar Bell
The 216-ton RussianRussia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
Tsar Bell (also known as the Tsar Kolokol III) on display on the grounds of the Moscow Kremlin
Moscow Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin , sometimes referred to as simply The Kremlin, is a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River , Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square and the Alexander Garden...
is the heaviest bell known to exist in the world today. However, a very large piece broke off from the Tsar Bell during its casting in 1737, so this irreparably damaged bell has never been suspended or rung. The Tsar Bell cannot be considered as the heaviest functioning bell in the world due to its inability to serve as a percussion instrument
Percussion instrument
A percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
. Rather, it may be considered to be the largest bell-shaped sculpture
Sculpture
Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials—typically stone such as marble—or metal, glass, or wood. Softer materials can also be used, such as clay, textiles, plastics, polymers and softer metals...
in the world.
Existing bells
Bells weighing 50000 lbs (25 tons) or more:| Name of bell (or edifice containing bell) | Location | Weight (lbs) | Year Cast | Manufacturer or Foundry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tsar Bell | Moscow Kremlin Moscow Kremlin The Moscow Kremlin , sometimes referred to as simply The Kremlin, is a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River , Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square and the Alexander Garden... , Moscow Moscow Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
433356 pounds (196,567 kg) | 1735 | Ivan Feodorovich Motorin | |
| Bell of Good Luck Bell of Good Luck The Bell of Good Luck is a large bell located in Foquan Temple in Pingdingshan, Henan, China. The bell weighs 116 metric tons, and is 8.108 metres in height and 5.118 metres in diameter at its widest point... |
Foquan Temple, Fodushan Scenic Area, Pingdingshan Pingdingshan Pingdingshan , also known as the Eagle City, with approximately 5.2 million inhabitants is a prefecture-level city in central Henan province, People's Republic of China.-Geography:... , Henan Henan Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan... , China China Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture... |
255200 pounds (115,756.8 kg) | 2000 | Tianrui Group | currently the heaviest functioning bell in the world |
| Mingun Bell Mingun Bell The Mingun Bell is a bell located in Mingun, Sagaing Region, Myanmar. It is located approximately north of Mandalay on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River.-Description:The weight of the bell is 55,555 viss... |
Mingun Mingun Mingun is a town in Sagaing Region, northwest Myanmar , located 11 km up the Ayeyarwady River on the west bank from Mandalay. Its main attraction is the ruined Mingun Pahtodawgyi.-Mingun Pahtodawgyi:... , Myanmar Myanmar Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south.... |
195000 pounds (88,450.5 kg) | 1808 | unknown | |
| Tsarsky Kolokol | Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Sergiyev Posad Sergiyev Posad Sergiyev Posad is a city and the administrative center of Sergiyevo-Posadsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia. It grew in the 15th century around one of the greatest of Russian monasteries, the Trinity Lavra established by St. Sergius of Radonezh. The town status was granted to it in 1742... , Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast , or Podmoskovye , is a federal subject of Russia . Its area, at , is relatively small compared to other federal subjects, but it is one of the most densely populated regions in the country and, with the 2010 population of 7,092,941, is the second most populous federal subject... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
158400 pounds (71,849 kg) | 2004 | Zavod imeni Likhacheva ZIL ZIL and similar may refer to:*Zil, a village in the Tabasaran rayon of Dagestan, Russia*Zil stands for Zulfikar Industries Pvt. Ltd. Pakistan, a Chemical factory in Pakistan producting soaps and related chemical products since 1976... , Moscow Moscow Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
|
| Chion-in Temple Bell | Kyoto Kyoto is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:... , Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
148000 pounds (67,131.7 kg) | 1633 | unknown | |
| Great Uspensky Bell Ivan the Great Bell Tower The Ivan the Great Bell Tower is the tallest of the towers in the Moscow Kremlin complex, with a total height of . It was built in 1508 for the Russian Orthodox cathedrals in Cathedral Square, namely the Assumption, Archangel and Annunciation cathedrals, which do not have their own belfries... (also known as Great Assumption Bell) |
Moscow Kremlin Moscow Kremlin The Moscow Kremlin , sometimes referred to as simply The Kremlin, is a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River , Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square and the Alexander Garden... , Moscow Moscow Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
144452 pounds (65,522.3 kg) | 1817 | Yakov Zavyalov and Rusinov | |
| To-dai-ji Temple Bell Todai-ji , is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ... |
Nara Nara, Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture... , Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
96000 pounds (43,544.9 kg) | 732 | unknown | |
| Yongle Bell Big Bell Temple The Big Bell Temple, or Da Zhong Temple , originally known as Jue Sheng Temple , is a Buddhist temple located on Beisanhuan Road in Beijing, China.... |
Da Zhong Si (Great Bell Temple) Big Bell Temple The Big Bell Temple, or Da Zhong Temple , originally known as Jue Sheng Temple , is a Buddhist temple located on Beisanhuan Road in Beijing, China.... , Beijing Beijing Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's... , China China Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture... |
93000 pounds (42,184.1 kg) | ca. 1420 | unknown | |
| Name unknown | Moscow Moscow Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
88000 pounds (39,916.1 kg) | 1600 | Andrey Chokhov Andrey Chokhov Andrey Chokhov, also spelled Chekhov was one of the most prominent Russian casters... |
|
| Mahatissada Bell | Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon Yangon Yangon is a former capital of Burma and the capital of Yangon Region . Although the military government has officially relocated the capital to Naypyidaw since March 2006, Yangon, with a population of over four million, continues to be the country's largest city and the most important commercial... , Myanmar Myanmar Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south.... |
84000 pounds (38,101.8 kg) | 1841 | unknown | |
| Gotenba Bell | Toki no Sumika Park, Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
79750 pounds (36,174 kg) | 2006 | Royal Eijsbouts bell foundry Royal Eijsbouts bell foundry Royal Eijsbouts is a bell foundry located in Asten, Netherlands.The workshop was founded in 1872 by Bonaventura Eijsbouts as a "factory for tower clocks." In 1893 Eijsbouts was joined by his 15 year old son, Johan, and the workshop expanded to begin supplying striking and swinging bells, which... |
|
| Blagovestnik (also known as Firstborn) | Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Sergiyev Posad Sergiyev Posad Sergiyev Posad is a city and the administrative center of Sergiyevo-Posadsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia. It grew in the 15th century around one of the greatest of Russian monasteries, the Trinity Lavra established by St. Sergius of Radonezh. The town status was granted to it in 1742... , Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast , or Podmoskovye , is a federal subject of Russia . Its area, at , is relatively small compared to other federal subjects, but it is one of the most densely populated regions in the country and, with the 2010 population of 7,092,941, is the second most populous federal subject... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
78250 pounds (35,493.6 kg) | 2002 | Zavod imeni Likhacheva ZIL ZIL and similar may refer to:*Zil, a village in the Tabasaran rayon of Dagestan, Russia*Zil stands for Zulfikar Industries Pvt. Ltd. Pakistan, a Chemical factory in Pakistan producting soaps and related chemical products since 1976... , Moscow Moscow Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
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| Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery The Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery is a Russian Orthodox monastery in Zvenigorod.In 1398, Prince Yuri asked St. Savva Storozhevsky, one of the first disciples of Sergii Radonezhsky, to go to Zvenigorod and to establish a monastery on the Storozhi Holm... |
Zvenigorod Zvenigorod Zvenigorod is an old town in Moscow Oblast, Russia. Population: -History:The community has existed since the 12th century, although its first written mention is dated 1338. The town's name is based either on a personal name or on a hydronym Zvenigorod is an old town in Moscow Oblast, Russia.... , Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast , or Podmoskovye , is a federal subject of Russia . Its area, at , is relatively small compared to other federal subjects, but it is one of the most densely populated regions in the country and, with the 2010 population of 7,092,941, is the second most populous federal subject... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
77000 pounds (34,926.6 kg) | 2003 | Vera LLC, Shilova, Voronezh Voronezh Voronezh is a city in southwestern Russia, the administrative center of Voronezh Oblast. It is located on both sides of the Voronezh River, away from where it flows into the Don. It is an operating center of the Southeastern Railway , as well as the center of the Don Highway... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
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| Yuriev Monastery Yuriev Monastery The St. George's Monastery is one of Russia's oldest monasteries. It stands south of Novgorod on the left bank of the Volkhov River near where it flows out of Lake Ilmen. The monastery used to be the most important in the medieval Novgorod Republic... |
Veliky Novgorod Veliky Novgorod Veliky Novgorod is one of Russia's most historic cities and the administrative center of Novgorod Oblast. It is situated on the M10 federal highway connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg. The city lies along the Volkhov River just below its outflow from Lake Ilmen... , Novgorod Oblast Novgorod Oblast Novgorod Oblast is a federal subject of Russia , located between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Its administrative center is the city of Veliky Novgorod. Some of the oldest Russian cities, including Veliky Novgorod and Staraya Russa, are located there... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
75837 pounds (34,399.1 kg) | unknown | ||
| World Peace Bell World Peace Bell The Newport, Kentucky World Peace Bell is one of more than twenty Peace Bells around the World. It weighs 33,285 kg and is 3.7 m wide. From 2000 until 2006, it was the largest swinging bell in the World... |
Newport, Kentucky Newport, Kentucky Newport is a city in Campbell County, Kentucky, United States, at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking rivers. The population was 15,273 at the 2010 census. Historically, it was one of four county seats of Campbell County. Newport is part of the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio Metro Area which... , U.S. |
73381 pounds (33,285.1 kg) | 1998 | Fonderie Paccard Fonderie Paccard Fonderie Paccard is a French foundry founded in 1796, which has cast more than 120,000 bells located throughout the world. The foundry has been continuously operated for seven generations by the Paccard family. The largest bell cast by Paccard is the World Peace Bell.... |
Largest swinging bell in the world |
| Kazansky Monastery | Tambov Tambov Tambov is a city and the administrative center of Tambov Oblast, Russia, located at the confluence of the Tsna and Studenets Rivers southeast of Moscow... , Tambov Oblast Tambov Oblast Tambov Oblast is a federal subject of Russia . Its administrative center is the city of Tambov. Population: down from 1,178,443 recorded by the 2002 Census.Tambov Oblast is situated in forest steppe.-Birth rate:... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
72226 pounds (32,761.2 kg) | unknown | ||
| Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery , loosely translated in English as the St. Cyril-Belozersk Monastery, used to be the largest monastery of Northern Russia. The monastery was dedicated to the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, for which cause it was sometimes referred to as the Dormition Monastery... |
Kirillov and Belozersk Belozersk Belozersk , known as Beloozero until 1777 , is a town and the administrative center of Belozersky District of Vologda Oblast, Russia, situated on the southern bank of Lake Beloye, from which it takes the name... , Vologda Oblast Vologda Oblast Vologda Oblast is a federal subject of Russia . Its administrative center is Vologda. The largest city is Cherepovets.Vologda Oblast is rich in historic monuments, such as the magnificent Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, Ferapontov Convent , medieval towns of Velikiy Ustyug and Belozersk, baroque... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
72226 pounds (32,761.2 kg) | unknown | ||
| Saint Isaac's Cathedral Saint Isaac's Cathedral Saint Isaac's Cathedral or Isaakievskiy Sobor in Saint Petersburg, Russia is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in the city... |
Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg Saint Petersburg is a city and a federal subject of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
67191 pounds (30,477.3 kg) | mid-19th century | unknown | |
| Torzhestvennyj Bell | Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Moscow Moscow Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
59749 pounds (27,101.7 kg) | 1878 | unknown | |
| Evangelist (bell) | Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Sergiyev Posad Sergiyev Posad Sergiyev Posad is a city and the administrative center of Sergiyevo-Posadsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia. It grew in the 15th century around one of the greatest of Russian monasteries, the Trinity Lavra established by St. Sergius of Radonezh. The town status was granted to it in 1742... , Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast , or Podmoskovye , is a federal subject of Russia . Its area, at , is relatively small compared to other federal subjects, but it is one of the most densely populated regions in the country and, with the 2010 population of 7,092,941, is the second most populous federal subject... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
59400 pounds (26,943.4 kg) | 2002 | Zavod imeni Likhacheva ZIL ZIL and similar may refer to:*Zil, a village in the Tabasaran rayon of Dagestan, Russia*Zil stands for Zulfikar Industries Pvt. Ltd. Pakistan, a Chemical factory in Pakistan producting soaps and related chemical products since 1976... , Moscow Moscow Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
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| Saint Sophia Cathedral Saint Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod The Cathedral of St. Sophia in the Kremlin in Veliky Novgorod is the cathedral church of the Archbishop of Novgorod and the mother church of the Novgorodian Eparchy.-History:... |
Veliky Novgorod Veliky Novgorod Veliky Novgorod is one of Russia's most historic cities and the administrative center of Novgorod Oblast. It is situated on the M10 federal highway connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg. The city lies along the Volkhov River just below its outflow from Lake Ilmen... , Novgorod Oblast Novgorod Oblast Novgorod Oblast is a federal subject of Russia , located between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Its administrative center is the city of Veliky Novgorod. Some of the oldest Russian cities, including Veliky Novgorod and Staraya Russa, are located there... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
58286 pounds (26,438.1 kg) | 1659 | unknown | |
| St. Petersglocke St. Petersglocke Saint Peter's bell is the largest bell in Cologne Cathedral. It was cast in 1923 by Heinrich Ulrich in Apolda and hangs in the belfry of the south tower... |
Cologne Cathedral Cologne Cathedral Cologne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in Cologne, Germany. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and is a World Heritage Site... , Cologne, Germany |
52800 pounds (23,949.7 kg) | 1923 | Heinrich Ulrich | |
| Sysoi | Assumption Cathedral in Rostov, Rostov-Velikij Rostov Rostov is a town in Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia, one of the oldest in the country and a tourist center of the Golden Ring. It is located on the shores of Lake Nero, northeast of Moscow. Population:... , Yaroslavl Oblast Yaroslavl Oblast Yaroslavl Oblast is a federal subject of Russia , which is located in the Central Federal District, surrounded by Tver, Moscow, Ivanovo, Vladimir, Kostroma, and Vologda Oblasts. This geographic location affords the oblast the advantages of proximity to Moscow and St. Petersburg... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
52000 pounds (23,586.8 kg) | 1689 | Flor Terentyev Flor Terentyev Flor Terentyev was a Russian bellmaker of the late 17th – early 18th centuries.The information about Flor Terentyev is extremely scarce. We know that he cast his bells for Moscow, Pskov, Yaroslavl, and Rostov cathedrals between the last quarter of the 17th century and early 18th century... |
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| Maha Ganda Bell, (also known as the Singu Min Bell) | Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon Yangon Yangon is a former capital of Burma and the capital of Yangon Region . Although the military government has officially relocated the capital to Naypyidaw since March 2006, Yangon, with a population of over four million, continues to be the country's largest city and the most important commercial... , Myanmar Myanmar Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south.... |
50600 pounds (22,951.8 kg) | 1779 | unknown | |
Destroyed or lost bells
Bells weighing 50000 lbs (25 tons) or more, no longer in existence (lost or destroyed):| Name of bell (or edifice containing bell) | Location | Weight (lbs) | Year Cast | Manufacturer or Foundry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Bell of Dhammazedi Great Bell of Dhammazedi The Great Bell of Dhammazedi is a bronze bell, believed to be the largest bell ever cast. It was cast on 5 February 1484 by order of King Dhammazedi of Hanthawaddy Pegu, and was given as a present to the Shwedagon Pagoda of Dagon .... |
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon Yangon Yangon is a former capital of Burma and the capital of Yangon Region . Although the military government has officially relocated the capital to Naypyidaw since March 2006, Yangon, with a population of over four million, continues to be the country's largest city and the most important commercial... , Myanmar Myanmar Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south.... |
655000 pounds (297,103 kg) | 1484 | unknown | submerged in the Bago River Bago River Bago River is a river of southern Burma. It flows through Bago and Yangon. It arises in the hills of the Pegu Range and flows into the Myitmaka River which below that point is called the Yangon River.-References:... in 1608; may be recoverable |
| Shitennō-ji Temple Bell Shitenno-ji is a Buddhist temple in Osaka, Japan.Prince Shōtoku is said to have constructed this temple in 593. It is the first Buddhist and oldest officially administered temple in Japan, although the temple buildings have been rebuilt over the centuries. Most of the present structures are from when the... |
Osaka Osaka is a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu, a designated city under the Local Autonomy Law, the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and also the biggest part of Keihanshin area, which is represented by three major cities of Japan, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe... , Japan Japan Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... |
251000 pounds (113,851.7 kg) | 1902 | unknown | destroyed 1942 |
| Tsarsky Kolokol Bell (aka ‘’Trotzkoi Bell’’) | Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Sergiyev Posad Sergiyev Posad Sergiyev Posad is a city and the administrative center of Sergiyevo-Posadsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia. It grew in the 15th century around one of the greatest of Russian monasteries, the Trinity Lavra established by St. Sergius of Radonezh. The town status was granted to it in 1742... , Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast , or Podmoskovye , is a federal subject of Russia . Its area, at , is relatively small compared to other federal subjects, but it is one of the most densely populated regions in the country and, with the 2010 population of 7,092,941, is the second most populous federal subject... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
144452 pounds (65,522.3 kg) | 1748 | unknown | destroyed 1930 |
| Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery The Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery is a Russian Orthodox monastery in Zvenigorod.In 1398, Prince Yuri asked St. Savva Storozhevsky, one of the first disciples of Sergii Radonezhsky, to go to Zvenigorod and to establish a monastery on the Storozhi Holm... |
Zvenigorod Zvenigorod Zvenigorod is an old town in Moscow Oblast, Russia. Population: -History:The community has existed since the 12th century, although its first written mention is dated 1338. The town's name is based either on a personal name or on a hydronym Zvenigorod is an old town in Moscow Oblast, Russia.... , Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast , or Podmoskovye , is a federal subject of Russia . Its area, at , is relatively small compared to other federal subjects, but it is one of the most densely populated regions in the country and, with the 2010 population of 7,092,941, is the second most populous federal subject... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
76767 pounds (34,820.9 kg) | 1667 | unknown | destroyed 1941 |
| Godunov Bell (also known as Old Assumption Bell, or Resurrection Bell) | Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Sergiyev Posad Sergiyev Posad Sergiyev Posad is a city and the administrative center of Sergiyevo-Posadsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia. It grew in the 15th century around one of the greatest of Russian monasteries, the Trinity Lavra established by St. Sergius of Radonezh. The town status was granted to it in 1742... , Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast Moscow Oblast , or Podmoskovye , is a federal subject of Russia . Its area, at , is relatively small compared to other federal subjects, but it is one of the most densely populated regions in the country and, with the 2010 population of 7,092,941, is the second most populous federal subject... , Russia Russia Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects... |
66809 pounds (30,304.1 kg) | ca. 1600 | Andrey Chokhov Andrey Chokhov Andrey Chokhov, also spelled Chekhov was one of the most prominent Russian casters... |
destroyed 1701 |
| Kaiserglocke Cologne Cathedral Cologne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in Cologne, Germany. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and is a World Heritage Site... |
Cologne Cathedral Cologne Cathedral Cologne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in Cologne, Germany. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and is a World Heritage Site... , Cologne, Germany |
61160 pounds (27,741.7 kg) | 1874 | Andreas Hamm | destroyed 1918 |