The chimes they are a-changin’: Nine new bells arrive at Notre Dame cathedral to mark its 850th anniversary
Worldwide, Daily news | ankakh | February 1, 2013 21:15
Nine new enormous bronze bells have arrived at thePariscathedral to replace the old ones that had been discordant for decades, and to help the landmark rediscover its historical harmony.
The bells, named after saints, and prominent Catholic figures, will be on display at Notre Dame from Saturday until February 25 when they will be hoisted to its iconic twin towers.
The new bells are scheduled to ring for the first time March 23, in time for Palm Sunday and Easter week.
The diocese decided to have new ones cast as part of celebrations marking 850 years since the beginning of the cathedral’s construction in 1163. It took nearly 90 years to build.
Eight of the nine new bells were cast in a foundry in theNormandytown ofVilledieu-les-Poeles. The ninth – a ‘bourdon,’ or Great Bell, named Marie – was cast in theNetherlandsand then sent toNormandyto join the others.
The arrival of the bells ‘is historic precisely because since the 18th century, we haven’t experienced such an event,’ said the cathedral’s rector, Patrick Jacquin.
The €2 million (£1.7 million) bell-casting project was funded via donations, cathedral officials say.
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