Italy’s Sunken Bell
We have heard many stories of sinking cities—those that have Atlantis-like stories that have been told to many generations. Mystifying and utterly spine-chilling, these places (that may or may not have existed) have always entertained and baffled us.
Ever heard of the Bay of Cambay in India? How about the City of Yonaguni in Japan? Places like these possess a kind of mystery that continues to interest people from all over the world. But how would you like to see remnant of a village that drowned; a place that you can still actually visit?
source: by AlSanin from panoramio.com
A structure that is equally eerie and spectacular awaits in Italy, where you could find the famous Sunken Bell. Before we tell you anything about it, here’s a photo to give you an idea on what it looks like:
source: klavierzimmer.wordpress.com
It might seem strange that it’s just a tower and nothing more. There’s nothing else that stand with this long and straight structure, but surely they were here back then. On the frozen waters of Lago di Resia in Italy‘s South Tyrol stands this church spire, what used to be a bell tower from the 14th century. The history behind this is that this place used to be a busy village of Graun, until all of it was drowned because of an hydroelectricity project that happened sometime in the 1950s. Around 1,300 acres of land was submerged underwater to form a lake.
source: ausserferner.wordpress.com
During winter, the scene is just extraordinary—you’d wonder how a tower like that could end up right smack in the middle of a snowy landscape, sticking out and towering over most structures.
There is no longer a bell here, but some locals still believe that it continues to ring from the tower. If you’re into scary stories and interesting phenomena, you will most likely enjoy this, and when you visit, you can even find out for yourself. Winter is perhaps the only time when you’d get to get closer to it—to touch it and see how it has survived through the years.
source: reddit.com
When you’re here in the winter, you can go ice skating or simply admire the sights around. The peaceful atmosphere, both exuding a bizarre and interesting air, is indeed something that you don’t see everyday. South Tyrol is known to take Christmas seriously; it’s definitely one of their most favorite holidays, so you will definitely feel and see the spirit here.
source: travelgrove.com
If, however, you’d be here at a time when the place is not all white and the water’s not frozen, you will still find a lot of interesting things to do in South Tyrol. One of the attractions that you must not miss here is the Tirol Castle or Castle Tyrol (which is also home to the South Tyrolean Museum of History), where you will find amazing frescoes at the chapel. The portals and sculptures here are also breathtaking, which will definitely entertain those who love the arts.
source: travelution.co.uk
source: pianostreet.com
You can also head over to Bolzano, its capital city, which is home to many museums and galleries. The ones that you must check out are the South Tyrol Museum of Natural Science, Museon (Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art), and the City Gallery. You should also check out the Maretsch Castle and the Runkelstein Castle.
source: by tormic from panoramio.com
Would you stop over this place if you’re ever near this part of Italy? What ideas do these photos of the Sunken Bell give you?