National Carillion


The National Carillion is a unique architectural monument, which is the largest world belfry. Located in the heart of Canberra is the Carillion on Aspen Island .

The National Carillion was a gift from the British government to the Australians in honor of the 50th anniversary of the founding of Canberra. On the 26th of April, 1970, the British Queen Elizabeth II visited the solemn event in honor of the opening of the monument.

The unique structure of the Carillion

Carillon, like the organ is a complex and expensive musical instrument, so it requires a separate building. Externally, the carillon is a tall tower, whose height reaches 50 meters. Three western Australian architects - Charles Cameron, Robert Chisholm and Nicole - were engaged in architectural and design work on the erection of the Carillon.

The tower is built in the form of three triangular columns. The uniqueness of the structure is that all its components are completely vertical, they do not have any extension to the base. Although the law of stability says that any vertical structure should be kept on a wide base.

As part of the unique belfry, there were 53 bells. In 2004, the national carillon underwent a small restoration. The interior spaces were updated by the designers and 2 bells were added. At present, Carillon includes 55 bells. The weight of the smallest bell is only 7 kg, while the biggest weight is as much as 6 tons. Their chromatic attitude reaches 4.5 octaves. The Carillon bells themselves are immovable, and their languages ​​are combined with a keyboard.

An islet with a belfry is connected to the shore by a pedestrian bridge, named after the famous carillonist John Gordon. Gordon was the first to play the new Carillion on the day of his discovery.

The National Memorial of Workers has been erected in the neighborhood of the Carillon, so that its guests can hear the sounds of Carillon, remembering the departed loved ones.

Musical repertoire and concerts of the National Carillion

Bells in Carillon call every 15 minutes, and at the beginning of each new hour a quiet, short tune sounds. Melodies are constantly changing: classical works of eminent composers, and music from national songs also sound.

Systematically organized in Carillon concerts. Every Thursday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday you can enjoy excellent music from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm Concerts are held completely free of charge. Programs of concerts are also quite diverse, except for classics and folk music in Carillon, specially adapted original works written for playing on this instrument sound. Solemn concerts in Carillion are held on the National Day of Australia, on memorial days in honor of the dead sailors and policemen and on other important events and holidays.

Now women play in the Carillion. The carrionists are respected here. On a parking for them separate places with special signs-pointers are allocated.

In addition to the delightful music that comes from the Carillion, guests can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Burley-Griffin and the center of Canberra, climbing a small viewing platform. At night, the towers of the Carillion are illuminated, creating a magnificent enchanting view.

Additional Information

The historical monument in Canberra is located at Lake Burley Griffin Apen Island ACT 2600, Australia. You can get there by bus (# 4, 5, 11, 200, 251, 252, 255, 259, 712, 714, 717, 743, 744, 765, 767, 775, 791, 938, 980) Kings, and then walk along the avenues to the island of Espen.

The mode of work of the National Carillion is round-the-clock, and the visit for all guests is completely free.