STA, 7 September 2021 - The Kranj Parish has renovated the bell tower of the local St. Cantianus Church, the most recognisable feature in Kranj's townscape, which was declared a cultural monument of national importance this year. Visitors are now able to climb the bell tower's 163 steps to enjoy panoramic views.
The 60-metre bell tower reopened yesterday after renovation works started in late 2019. Apart from breath-taking views of the northern town, the visitors can also admire the Alps from a viewing platform at 40 metres of elevation.
Moreover, they can take a look at the bells in the belfry and learn more about the church that dates almost 600 years back.
The renovation cost some EUR 300,000 and had been delayed due to the epidemic, but its aim to preserve the church's heritage for future generations has been achieved, Kranj Parish priest Andrej Naglič told the press conference, which was held on the occasion of the reopening.
Kranj Mayor Matjaž Rakovec believes the new tourist attraction will be a great success. He also noted the historical heritage of the 15th century late Gothic church.
During the renovation of the interior, a 100-year-old beer bottle and a newspaper were found and have been put on display, Naglič said, adding that the renovation of the exterior would start in October.
The bell tower will be open for tours every day from 9am to 5pm.
Since February, the St. Cantianus Church has been known for the carillon or so-called Glockenspiel in its belfry, which plays church and folk tunes in what is the first such tourist attraction in the country.
"Such bells are common in Central and Western Europe and their installation brings us closer in a cultural sense to the area in which Kranj has always been embedded," Naglič said, adding that the carillon with its ten small bronze bells was another charming cultural attraction of the town.
