Schwäbisch Gmünd in Ostalbkreis, Baden-Württemberg, Germany — Central Europe
Glockenturm
⎯⎯⎯
Belltower
With the first documented mention as the "Bellhouse" in 1578-79, the construction of this building probably dates back to 1227-28, although two ceiling beams on the ground floor date from 1143 and 1154. The 35.5-meter-high tower with its pyramid roof has a full-fledged basement, and served as a Romanesque residential tower of a wealthy Gmünder citizen in the Staufer era, not as a defensive tower. After the collapse of the two towers at today's Heiligkreuz-Münster (literally Holy Cross Cathedral, which is just across the plaza) on the night of March 25, 1497 (Holy Friday), the building was converted into a bell tower between 1502 and 1505. The four bells, the "Our Lady's" bell, the older and the younger Evangelist bells, as well as the bell of the Virgin Mary, came from the collapsed cathedral towers.
Erected by Burgerstiftung Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 25, 1497.
Location. 48° 47.954′ N, 9° 47.804′ E. Marker is in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Württemberg, in Ostalbkreis. It is at the intersection of Glockgäßle 2 and Muensterplatz on Glockgäßle 2. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Glockgäßle, Schwäbisch Gmünd BW 73525, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it
finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Johanniskirche / St. John's Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Münsterplatz 12 (within shouting distance of this marker); Marktplatz Nr. 11 / Market Square No. 11 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Fuggerei (about 120 meters away); Marktplatz Nr. 16 (about 120 meters away); Post (about 150 meters away); Katharina Czisch (about 150 meters away); Schwäbisch Gmünd War Memorial (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Also see . . . Glockenturm (Schwäbisch Gmünd) (Wikipedia, in German). (Submitted on July 13, 2017.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 285 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.

