Great bells of Europe
by weight

The table below lists 184 present or former great bells of continental Europe, in descending order by weight.  This region includes the island of Malta but excludes Russia and the British Isles, which are listed separately.  It includes the bass bells of the heaviest carillons, chimes and peals.  Not yet included are many other great bells of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Spain weighing between 4000 and 14000 kg. 

Below the table are comments and analysis by the compiler of this page.

Appearances indicate:

destroyed or recast
bass bell of a carillon
bass bell of a chime

(Chime-sized peals and zvons are not highlighted.)

"Nr" = sequence number, and also a link to the corresponding expanded description of the bell in either the Great Bells of Europe by Country or the Great Bells of Germany.  Bells of the same (estimated) weight share a sequence number, and are distinguished by a capital letter appended to it (e.g., 28A, 28B, 28C).


Nr. Place, name Weight Cast Lost Founder
1. Köln (Cologne), Germany, Dom (Cathedral), "Kaiserglocke" ~27800 kg 1874 1918 Andreas Hamm
2. Köln (Cologne), Germany, Dom (Cathedral), "Petersglocke" (bass bell of a peal) 24200 kg 1923   Heinrich Ulrich
3. Rovereto, Italy, "Maria Dolens" 22639 kg 1964   Paolo Capanni
4. Wien (Vienna), Austria, "Die Pummerin" 20132 kg 1951   Karl Geisz
5. Lisbon, Portugal, Cathedral ~20000 kg 1556   ?
6. Rouen, France, Cathedral, "Jeanne d'Arc" (#1) 20000 kg 1914 1944 Paccard
7. Paris, France, Basilique Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, "la Savoyarde" 18835 kg 1891   Georg Paccard
8. Bruneck/Brunico, Italy, "Concordia 2000" 18100 kg 2002   F.Oberascher
9. Sens, France, Cathedrale St.Étienne, "la Savinienne" 16230 kg 1560   Gaspard Mongin-Viard
10. Tallinn, Estonia, Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral (bass bell of a zvon) 15665 kg 1898   Vassily Orlov
11. Licheń Stary, Poland, Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen, "Maryja Bogurodzica" ~15000 kg 1995?   ?
12. Bochum, Germany, Town Hall 14750 kg 1867   Bochumer Verein
13. Toledo, Spain, Cathedral, "San Eugenio" ~14564 kg 1753   Alejandro Gargollo
14. Salzburg, Austria, Cathedral, "Salvator" 14256 kg 1961   Oberascher
15. Neustadt a.d. Weinstraße, Germany, Stiftskirche 14000 kg 1949   Bochumer Verein
16. Sens, France, Cathedrale St.Étienne, "la Potentienne" 13660 kg c.1560   ?
17. Paderborn, Germany, Dom 13520 kg 2017   Eijsbouts
18. Praha (Prague), Czech Republic, St.Vitus Cathedral, "Sigismund" 13500 kg 1543
or 1548?
  Thomas Jarusch
19. Magdeburg, Germany, Cathedral, "Maxima" 13300 kg 1702   Johann Jacobi
20. Paris, France, Notre Dame Cathedral, "Emmanuel" 13281 kg 1685   Nicholas Chappelle & I.Gillot & E.Moreau
21. Messina, Italy, Tempio de Cristo Re 13200 kg 1935   Daciano Colbachini
22. Riga, Latvia, Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ 13128 kg 19xx   ZIL
23. Mount Athos, Greece, St.Panteleimon Monastery ~13000 kg c.1890   (Russian)
24. Sofia, Bulgaria, Alexander Nevski Cathedral 12000 kg 1910   Finlyandski
25. Frankfurt a/M, Germany, Dom (Cathedral) 11950 kg 1877   J. G. Grosse
26. Licheń Stary, Poland, Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen, "Josef" 11600 kg 2002   Felczyński
27. Dresden, Germany, Kreuzkirche 11510 kg 1899   Franz Schilling
28. Berg, Germany, Private estate 11460 kg 2003   Bachert
29. Erfurt, Germany, Cathedral, "Maria Gloriosa" 11450 kg 1497   Gerard van Wou
30A. Vatican City, St.Peter's Basilica ~11000 kg 1786   Guiseppe Valadrier
30B. Kiev, Ukraine, St.Sophia's Cathedral ~11000 kg 1704 1930s Afanasiy Petrovich
32. Kracow, Poland, Cathedral, "Sigismund" 11000 kg 1520   Hans Beham
33. Valletta, Malta, "Memorial Siege Bell" 10898 kg 1992   Taylor
34A. Köln (Cologne), Germany, Dom (Cathedral), "Pretiosa" (second bell of a peal) ~10500 kg 1448   Brodermann & Cloit
34B. Mafra, Portugal, Palace (clock bell) ~10500 kg ?   ?
34C. Metz, France, Cathédrale, "la Mutte" ~10500 kg 1605   several
37. Reims, France, Cathédrale, "Charlotte" 10435 kg 1570   ?
38. Wien (Vienna), Austria, Stephansdom, , "Die Pummerin" (#1) 10400 kg 1558? 194_ ?
39 Hannover, Germany, Marktkirche 10360 kg 1960   F.W.Schilling
40. Mösern, Tirol, Austria, "Peace Bell" ~10180 kg 1997   Grassmayr
41A. Gifhorn, Germany, Open Air Museum, "Freiheitsglocke" 10100 kg 2007   Eijsbouts
41B. Scheyern, Germany, Klosterkirche Hl. Kreuz, "Christus Salvator" (bass bell of a peal) 10100 kg 2009   Perner
43. Pamplona, Spain, Cathedral, "María, La Mayor" ~10060 kg 1584   Pedro de Villanueva
44. Rouen, France, Cathedral, "Jeanne d'Arc" (#2) 10000 kg 1951 or 1959?   Paccard
45. Bern, Switzerland, Münster, "Grosse Glocke" 9940 kg 1611   A.Zehnder & P.Füssli
46. Dordrecht, Zuid Holland, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (bourdon of a carillon) 9830 kg 1999   Eijsbouts
47. Auch, Pays d'Oc, France, Cathédrale 9750 kg 18??   ?
48. Berlin, Germany, Schöneberg Rathaus (City Hall), "Freedom Bell" 9652 kg 1950   Gillett & Johnston
49. Mafra, Portugal, Palace (bourdon of south tower carillon) ~9640 kg 1730   Willem Witlockx
50A. Köln (Cologne), Germany, Kunibertkirche 9600 kg 1990   Eijsbouts
50B. Berlin, Germany, Olympic Stadium, "Olympic Bell" (original) 9600 kg 1936   Bochumer Verein
52. Rouen, France, Cathedral 9500 kg ????   Paccard
53. Budapest, Hungary, St.Stephan's Basilica 9250 kg year?   Perner
54. Arnhem, Gelderland, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (bourdon of a carillon) 9200 kg 1994   Petit & Fritsen
55. Innsbruck, Austria, Jesuitenkirche 9050 kg 1959   Grassmayr
56. Mafra, Portugal, Palace (bourdon of north tower carillon) ~9025 kg 1730   Nicolas Levache
57. Strasbourg, France, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, "Grande Cloche" (bass bell of a peal) 8900 kg 1427   Hans Gremp
58. Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium, Sint-Romboutstoren (lower belfry) (sub-bourdon of a carillon) 8884 kg 1???   ?
59. Delft, Netherlands, Oude Kerk ~8750 kg 1570   Henrich van Trier
60. Milano, Italy, "Maria Nascenta" ~8600 kg 1582   Giovanni Battista Busca
61. Birkirkara, Malta, St.Helen Basilica 8340 kg 1931   Barigozzi
62. Salzburg, Austria, Cathedral, "Rupertus" 8273 kg 1961   Oberascher
63. Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, Domtoren (Bass bell of a peal) 8227 kg 1505   Geert van Wou
64. Częstochowa, Poland, Jasna_Góra Monastery, "Maryja" ~8200 kg 1912   Zwoliński & Czerniewicz
65. Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium, Sint-Romboutstoren (upper belfry) (bourdon of a carillon) 8160 kg 1981   Eijsbouts
66. Halle (Saale), Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany, Roter Turm (bourdon of a carillon) 8056 kg 198_   Schilling
67A. Pyhäsalmi, Finland, Vaskikello (steel) ~8000 kg 1928   Schilling & Lattermann
67B. Kiev, Ukraine, Cathedral (bourdon of a carillon) ~8000 kg 1997   ?   (Ukrainian)
67C. Maredsous, Namur, Belgium, Benedictine abbey church, "Elizabeth" ~8000 kg 1952   Causard or Slegers-Causard
76D. Muenchen, Bayern, Germany, Dom, "Susanna" ~8000 kg 1490   Hanns Ernst
71A. Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands, Grote Kerk, "Salvator" (Bourdon of a peal) 7850 kg 1577   Henrich van Trier
71B. Passau, Germany, Stephansdom, "Pummerin" 7850 kg 1951   Perner
73A. Berlin, Germany, Kongresshalle (bourdon of a carillon) 7820 kg 1987   Eijsbouts
73B. Meissen, Germany, Dom 7820 kg 1928   Schilling (Apolda)
75 Bordeaux, France, St Eloi gate 7800 kg 1775   Turmeau
76. Lyon, France, Primatiale Saint-Jean, "Anne-Marie" 7700 kg 1722   Recordon
77. Catania, Sicily, Italy, Cathedral 7616 kg 1614   Giacomo Sanfilippo e Figli
78. Hamburg, Germany, "Millennium bell" 7542 kg 2000   Bachert
79. Valencia, Valenciana, Spain, "La Micalet" ~7514 kg 1539   Lluís Trilles
80. Amsterdam, Noord Holland, Netherlands ~7500 kg 1636   Assueris Koster
81. Neustadt a.d. Weinstraße, Germany, Stiftskirche (2nd of a peal) 7350 kg 1949   Bochumer Verein
82. Fribourg, Switzerland, Cathedral, "Marienglocke" 7300 kg 1505   Petrus Monturiolis
83. Innsbruck, Austria, Cathedral 7168 kg 1???   Grassmayr
84. Middelburg, Zeeland, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (bourdon of a carillon) 7110 kg 1897 1940 Taylor
85. Leuven, Brabant, Belgium, University Library (bourdon of a carillon) 7096 kg 1928   Gillett & Johnston
86. Dunkerque (Dunkirk), France, "Jean Bart" (sub-bourdon of a modern carillon) ~7000 kg 1???   ?
87. Echternach, Luxembourg, Basilica (bass bell of a peal) 6985 kg 2000   Mark
88. Echternach, Luxembourg, Basilica 6820 kg 1953 < 2007 Eijsbouts
89. Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Catedral del Apóstal Santiago 6660 kg 1989   Eijsbouts
90. Dordrecht, Zuid Holland, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (#2 bell of a carillon) 6620 kg 1999   Eijsbouts
91. Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Catedral del Apóstal Santiago, "Berenguela" 6611 kg 1729   Pedro Güemes
92A. Brussels, Belgium, Sint-Michielskathedraal, "Salvator" ~6600 kg 1638   P. de Clerck & P. vanden Ghein
92B. Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (Bourdon of a carillon) ~6600 kg 1984   Eijsbouts
92C. Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, Domtoren (Sub-bourdon of a carillon) ~6600 kg 1974   Eijsbouts
95. Berlin, Germany, Kongresshalle (#2 bell of a carillon) 6560 kg 1987   Eijsbouts
96. Hamburg, Germany, Katharinakirche 6500 kg 1626   Hans Neussel
97. Valletta, Malta, St.John's Co-Cathedral (bass bell of a zvon) ~6500 kg btwn 1660 & 1759?   ?
98. Murcia, Spain, Cathedral, "Santa Águeda" 6420 kg 1790   Fernando de Venero
99A. Flanthey, Valais, Switzerland, Église Notre-Dame-des-sept-douleurs (sub-bass of a peal) ~6400 kg 1???   ?
99B. Regensburg, Germany, Dom, "Grosse Fürstin" 6400 kg 1696   J.G.Scheichshorn
101. Bern, Switzerland, Münster, "Mittagsglocke" 6395 kg 1583   F.Sermund
102. Herrenberg, Germany, Glockenmuseum 6370 kg 1999   Mark
103. Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands, Pandhof ~6350 kg 1541   W. & J. Moer
104. Avignon, Vaucluse, France, Cathédrale Notre-Dame-des-Doms, "Maria de Domnis" 6301 kg 1848   Pierre Pierron
105. Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands, St.Servaas 6270 kg 1983   Eijsbouts
106. Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Belfort plaza, "Roeland" (#1) ~6200 kg 1660   P.Hemony
107. Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Belfort, "Roeland" (#2) (bourdon of a carillon) 6200 kg 1948   Michiels
108. Köln, Germany, Katholische Pfarrgemeinde St Aposteln, "Johannes Paul II" 6165 kg 2005   Hans-Göran Hüesker
109. Middelburg, Zeeland, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (bourdon of a carillon) 6150 kg 1715   Noorden & de Grave
110. Kortrijk, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, "Maria" ~6100 kg 1945   Michiels
111. Paris, France, Notre Dame Cathedral, "Marie" 6023 kg 2013   Eijsbouts
112A. Geneva, Switzerland, Cathédrale St.Pierre, "La Clémence" (sub-bass of a peal) ~6000 kg 1902   ?
112B. Bruges, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Belfort, "Maria" ~6000 kg 1680   Melchior de Haze (Antwerpen)
112C. Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium, Sint-Romboutstoren (upper belfry) (#2 bell of a carillon) ~6000 kg 1981   Eijsbouts
112D. Torun, Poland, Ss.Johns Cathedral, "Tuba Dei" ~6000 kg 1500   Schmidt
112E. Kracow, Poland, Wawel Royal Cathedral, "Stanisław" ~6000 kg 1463   T&ecedil;czyński
112F. Den Haag, Zuid Holland, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (Bourdon of a carillon) ~6000 kg 1514   Jasper & Jan Moer
118. Passau, Germany, Stephansdom, "Misericordia" 5950 kg 1999   Perner
119. Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, Domtoren (Second bell of a peal) 5915 kg 1505   Geert van Wou
120. Toledo, Spain, Cathedral, "San Sebastián" 5835 kg 1681   Gregorio de Barcia
121A. Wien (Vienna), Austria, Cathedral, "Stephanus" 5700 kg 1960   Pfundner
121B. Rotterdam, Zuid Holland, Netherlands, Stadhuis (bourdon of a carillon) 5700 kg 1948   Petit & Fritsen
123. München (Munich), Germany, Mariahilfkirche 5650 kg 19??   Czudnochowsky
124. Tourcoing, Nord, France, Église Saint-Christophe (sub-bourdon of a carillon) 5624 kg 1924   Charles Wauthy
125. Dordrecht, Zuid Holland, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (#3 bell of a carillon) 5608 kg 1965   Eijsbouts
126A. Berlin, Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church 5600 kg 1961   Rincker
126B. Licheń Stary, Poland, Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen, "Peter" 5600 kg 2002   Felczyński
126C. Köln (Cologne), Germany, Dom (Cathedral), "Speciosa" (third bell of a peal) ~5600 kg 1449   Johannes (Hoerken) de Vechel
126D. Passau, Germany, Stephansdom, "Stürmerin" 5600 kg 1733   Nikolaus Drach
130. Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands, Grote Kerk, "Kromstaart" (Second of a peal) 5550 kg 1994   Eijsbouts
131. Echternach, Luxembourg, Basilica (second bell of a peal) 5530 kg 1999   Mark
132A. Douai, Nord, France, Hôtel de Ville (sub-bourdon of a carillon) 5500 kg 1924   Wauthy
132B. Arnhem, Gelderland, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (former bourdon of a carillon) 5500 kg 1964   Petit & Fritsen
132C. Leiden, Zeeland, Netherlands, Stadhuis (sub-bourdon of a carillon) 5500 kg 1938   Van Bergen
132D. Soissons, Aisne, Cathédrale St.Gervais-et-St.Protais, "Marie-Henriette-Amérique-France-Victoire" 5500 kg 1924   Bollée
136A. Chambéry, Savoie, France (bourdon of a carillon) ~5500 kg 1992   Paccard
136B. Leuven, Brabant, Belgium, University Library (#2 bell of a carillon) ~5500 kg 1928   Gillett & Johnston
136C. Leuven, Brabant, Belgium, Sint-Baafskathedraal, "Bavo" ~5500 kg 1636   ?
139. Minden, Germany, Dom 5495 kg kg 1990   Mark
140. Berlin, Germany, Kongresshalle (#3 bell of a carillon) 5440 kg 1987   Eijsbouts
141. Rouen, France, Cathedral ~5400 kg ????   Paccard
142. Bruges, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Belfort (bourdon of a carillon) 5381 kg 1742-48   J. du Mery
143. Seville, Spain, Cathedral, "Santa Maria" ~5362 kg 1588   Balavarca
144A. Częstochowa, Poland, Jasna_Góra Monastery, "Św. Paweł Pustelnik" ~5350 kg 1912   Zwoliński & Czerniewicz
144B. Speyer, Germany, Cathedral Basilica, "Kaiserglocke" (bass bell of a peal) 5350 kg 1822   Lindemann
146. Gembloux, Belgium, Beffroi, bourdon 5330 kg 1954 ~1961 Marcel Michiels Jr
147. Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium, O.L.V.Kathedraal (bourdon of a carillon) 5300 kg 1459   J.W.Hoerken
148. Strasbourg, France, Cathédrale Notre-Dame 5285 kg 1595   Johann Jakob Miller
149. Rotterdam, Noord Holland, Netherlands, City Hall (bourdon of a carillon) 5173 kg 1921 1943 Taylor
150. Düren, Germany, St.Annakirche, "Anna" 5050 kg 1964   Mabilon
151A. Blois, Loir-et-Cher, France, Basilique ~5000 kg     ?
151B. Częstochowa, Poland, Jasna_Góra Monastery, "Jezus Maryja (repl.)" ~5000 kg 1912   Felczyński
151C Częstochowa, Poland, Jasna_Góra Monastery, "Jezus Maryja (orig.)" ~5000 kg 1544   (?)
154. Perpignan, Pyrénées Orientales, France, Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste <5000 kg 1418   ?
155. Scheyern, Germany, Klosterkirche Hl. Kreuz, "Maria" (#2 bell of a peal) 4840 kg 2009   Perner
156. Niederaltaich, Germany, Klosterkirche Niederaltaich, "Mauritius" 4820 kg 2003   Perner
157. Murcia, Spain, Cathedral, "María Madre de Dios" 4772 kg 1790   Fernando de Venero
158. Paderborn, Germany, Dom 4740 kg 1951   Bochumer Verein
159. Kampen, Overijssel, Netherlands, Nieuwetoren (Bourdon of a carillon) ~4700 kg 1481   Geert van Wou
160. Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, Nord, France, Abbaye 4650 kg 1640   ?
161. Toledo, Spain, Cathedral, "Campana del Santo" 4632 kg 1682   Gregorio de Barcia
162. Dordrecht, Zuid Holland, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (#4 bell of a carillon) 4610 kg 1999   Eijsbouts
163. Bergues, Nord, France, Hôtel de Ville (#1 bell of a carillon) 4588 kg 1643   Blampain
164. Victoria, Gozo, Malta, Cathedral of the Assumption 4540 kg 2004   Taylor
165A. Bielefeld, Germany, Alte Nicolaikirche 4515 kg 1961   Rincker
165B. Xewkija, Gozo, Malta, Parish Church of St.John the Baptist 4515 kg 2006   Taylor
167A. Berlin, Germany, Olympic Stadium, "Olympic Bell" (replacement) 4500 kg c.1961   Bochumer Verein
167B. Regensburg, Germany, Dom St.Peter, "St.Michaelsglocke" 4500 kg 1961   Perner
169. Berlin, Germany, Kongresshalle (#4 bell of a carillon) 4460 kg 1987   Eijsbouts
170. Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium, Belfort (#2 bell of a carillon) 4459 kg 1659-61   P.Hemony
171. Lija, Gozo, Malta, Parish Church of Christ the Saviour 4344 kg 1947   Taylor
172. Qormi, Malta, Parish Church of St.Sebastian 4214 kg 1998   Taylor
173. Siggiewi, Malta, Parish Church of St Nicholas of Myra 4083 kg 1948   Taylor
174. Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, Domtoren (Third bell of a peal) 4273 kg 1505   Geert van Wou
175. Zhyrovichy, Belarus, Zhyrovichy Monastery ~4200 kg 2020   Voronezh
176. Attendorn, Germany, Kollegiatstift St.Johannes Baptist, "Marienglocke" 4100 kg 1927   Buderus & Humpert
177. Solothurn, Switzerland, St.Ursus Cathedral (Bass bell of a chime) 4075 kg 1768   J. & J. Kaiser
178. Ath, Hainaut, Belgium, Eglise St.Julien (sub-bourdon of a carillon) 4070 kg 1952   Michiels
179. Venray, Limburg, Netherlands, St.Petrus Bandentoren (bass bell of a carillon) 4033 kg 1965   Eijsbouts
180. Dordrecht, Zuid Holland, Netherlands, Grote Kerk (#5 bell of a carillon) 4033 kg 1965   Eijsbouts
181. Valletta, Malta, St.Dominic Basilica 4008 kg year?   Taylor
182A. Mechelen, Antwerpen, Belgium, Sint-Romboutstoren (upper belfry) (#3 bell of a carillon) ~4000 kg 1981   Eijsbouts
182B. Leuven, Brabant, Belgium, Sint-Baafskathedraal, "Maria" ~4000 kg 1636   ?
182C. Saint-Maurice, Lower-Valais, Switzerland, Abbey (sub-bourdon of a carillon) ~4000 kg 1998   Paccard

Comments and analysis

Records:   There seems to be no particular pattern to the heaviest bell of each country - they are a mixture of all ages.

Geography:   The old Russian Orthodox Christian culture of enormously heavy bells hung dead and rung in various liturgical and rhythmical patterns is distinctly different from the campanological culture of the rest of Europe.  Therefore those bells are listed separately.

Throughout the rest of Europe, the geographical variations in campanological culture are relatively minor, at least with respect to great bells.  Not much can be said along that line until these listings are more nearly complete.

Founders:   Before the 19th century, all of the great bells in this region were "one-off" efforts on the part of their makers, who generally were local bellfounders.  In part this may be because the market for such bells was so thin during that period.  Beginning in the 20th century, the availability of modern transport made it possible for any founder's work to be shipped to anywhere in the world.


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This page was created 2006/10/16, and last revised 2024/09/13.

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