Andria landmarks

The bell tower of “San Francesco”, was commissioned by the Franciscan friars in 1760.It is 54.60 metres high and it has four bells. The spire of the bell tower has an octagonal shape and at the top of it there is a copper pinnacle with the symbol of St. Francis holding a cross.

The bell tower of San Domenico, baroque in style , was built in the late XVIII century. It is 48.16 metres high. The bell tower has four bells. On its sides we can admire four apotropaic masks, two on the cloister side, one on the clock side and the other one on the church side. These masks might have several meanings, that is why there have been lots of interpretive hypotheses. Its first section is square-shaped; the last three sections, with the spire, have obtuse angles. Each section has four big windows, The spire has the shape of a pear risen above by a bronze sphere with a turning metal dog on it. The dog (fidelity), with a torch (flame of charity) in its mouth, symbolizes the Dominican Order.

The bell tower of the cathedral appears as a firm symbol in the huge countryside of Andria. It was built in different periods: the tower bell stands on VII- VIII century Lombard tower. The second section dates back to Norman period (1118). The third one, with an octagonal spire, was built in 1473-1477. It is massive in scale, pointing at the sky with its octagonal spire on which a green copper cock makes a fine show indicating the direction of the wind. According to an old legend the cock symbolizes the Apostle St. Peter, who denied Christ at the cock’s crow. The symbol of the cock recalls the ancient Christian roots of our town.
The Bell Tower has got four valuable bells: of great value is the former bell dated 1310; the bell called “Campanella” with its silvery sound rang for over six centuries; the bell named “Madonna”, reminding Andria devotion to Christ’s Mother , has got grave and solemn tone; the bell “San Riccardo”, the biggest in the city, resounds with its vibrant tone all over the town.