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CRACOW, which had been the capital of the Polish
State until the 17th century, has kept the character of a spiritual
capital. It lies on the Vistula River about 260 kilometers south of
Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Virtually unchanged from centuries
back, one can walk along the Royal Way, beginning at the Barbican
and ending at Wawel Hill, the site symbolizing the greatness of the
old Polish Royalty and also called the Polish Acropolis.
Looking from afar at the hill’s
collection of buildings, brick turrets and copper spires, two
structures stand out: the Wawel Castle which is considered one of
the most splendid Renaissance residences in Europe and the Wawel
Cathedral, the oldest church in Cracow.
History tells us that in 1520, an
important celebration took place on Wawel Hill. On the cathedral
tower, today known as the Sigismund Tower, a mighty bell was
suspended through the efforts of King Sigismund the Old. It was cast
by the famous bell-founder from Nuremberg, Master Hans Beham.
“Segismunds” toll is audible
on the most important church and state holidays. It can be heard in
places situated miles away from Cracow. It is widely believed that
the sound of the royal bell possesses some unusual power, which
protects Cracow as well as the rest of the country from disasters.
It was Segismund the Old’s
Warmest wish to have a bell made which would not only remind people
of the glory of Poland forever, but also have a sound that would
beat as one with the rhythm of the hearts of the Polish people.
The King was engrossed in such
thoughts especially when he listened to the songs and verses of his
court poet. Accompanied by his trusty lute, the poet’s masterful
songs and verses reflected the ardor of the King’s love. The king
took the poet into his confidence and told him about his wish. The
poet listened intently and promised to help his King.
Thus, the poet would accompany
Sigismund the Old in all his visits to the foundry. Together, they
would admire the art of the famous bell-founder.
During the last of these visits,
the poet tore one of the strings from his lute and threw it into the
bell cast that was filled with liquid metal. In this way, the
King’s wish was fulfilled, as the notes of the love songs and the
moving tremors of the poet’s instrument were infused into the
sound of the bell. The force of the King’s wish was such that the
bell was not only endowed with the King’s fervor but also the
power to fulfill people’s wishes.
When a person whose heart is
filled with a noble wish stands under the bell and touches its
clapper, he or she may be sure that their will come true. So as the
legend says. . . .
If passion can endow art with
power, I wonder about mine.
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