La Beneta, a bell with a long history
La Beneta, popularly known as ‘el Bombo’, is the largest bell in the diocese of Girona and celebrated its 450th anniversary on Thursday 21 March. With its 4,800 kg mass and almost two meters in width, this bell is one of the most important in Catalonia. It was created by the craftsman Antoni Senyer in 1574, at the initiative of the Chapter of the Girona Cathedral. Despite the years, the Beneta has been well preserved and today still plays an important role in the religious and civil life of the city.
A concert of bells to celebrate the birthday
To commemorate the 450th anniversary of the Beneta, the Chapter of Girona Cathedral and the Brotherhood of Bell Ringers and Carillonists of Catalonia have organized a concert of bells in the bell tower of the Cathedral. This concert, which will take place at 19.30, will allow listeners to enjoy the unique sounds of the cathedral bells.
The history and characteristics of the Beneta
In a conference held on Wednesday March 20 in the nave of the cathedral, bell ringer Blai Ciurana explained the history and unique characteristics of the Beneta. According to Ciurana, the craftsman Antoni Senyer had to melt the bell four times before achieving the final result. After some setbacks, the bell was placed in the belfry and has been ringing with an intense and wonderful sound ever since.
La Beneta, with its 450-year history, is an important symbol of the cathedral of Girona and of the city itself. With its majesty and its powerful voice, this bell continues to mark the hours and accompany the most important moments of the religious life of the diocese.