The Wamba bell in Oviedo Cathedral: the oldest working bell in the world, cast in 1219

Oviedo Cathedral, one of the most visited and photographed landmarks in the city, hides a unique treasure in its belfry: the Wamba bell.

This bronze piece, with a diameter of 130 centimetres and a weight of 883 kilos, has been ringing since 1219.

It is the oldest bell in the world that is still in use, a silent witness to more than eight centuries of history.

The Oviedo Cathedral, of a marked Gothic style with Renaissance and Baroque elements, is an essential stop for visitors and locals alike. One of its main jewels is located in its highest part, the belfry, home to the historic Wamba bell, which has been ringing since 1219. "There is no other bell that reaches that age. In fact, to date the next one, we have to wait until 1305, the year in which the blacksmiths forged 'Caterina', a bell located in Valencia, in the 'Miguelete' tower," explains Miguel Ángel Fernández, coordinator of activities in the Oviedo City Council's tourism department.

Miguel Ángel Fernández, Coordinator of Activities, Oviedo City Council:No other bell reaches that age. To find the next one, we have to wait until 1305, the year 'Caterina' was forged in Valencia's Miguelete tower.

Cast in bronze, with a diameter of 130 centimetres, a height of 105, a rim of 13 centimetres and a weight of 883 kilos, "the monumental bell must have drawn attention in that medieval city, free of all the strident noises that were born with industrialisation," Fernández explains.

THE NAME "WAMBA" AND OTHER TREASURES IN THE BELFRY

In addition to being the oldest working bell in history, its name, Wamba, is also a curiosity. There are at least two theories about its origin, generating some debate. "Tradition indicates that it is named after the Visigothic king Wamba. However, some argue that it is due to the 'bam-bam-bam', that is, the sound of the bell itself. But there is no consensus on this," explains Fernández. A true witness to the history of Oviedo, the bell has survived all kinds of vicissitudes, including cannon fire, earthquakes, lightning and fires.

The bell has survived all kinds of vicissitudes, including cannon fire, earthquakes, lightning and fires.

However, the Wamba is not alone at the top of the Cathedral's tower. The room also houses other jewels: the Santa Cruz bell (16th century), the Santa Bárbara bell (19th century), the Posar bell (19th century), and the Esquilón, the largest of all at 481 kilos, cast in the 17th century.

For InasTour, the Wamba bell is a symbol of the historical and cultural richness that makes Oviedo and Asturias such an attractive place to live. The presence of such a unique heritage piece in the city is a testament to the deep roots and living history that characterise the region, values that are increasingly appreciated by international buyers seeking a connection to a place with identity and authenticity.

The monumental bell must have drawn attention in that medieval city, free of all the strident noises that were born with industrialisation.

The Wamba bell, with its more than eight centuries of history, is much more than a relic; it is a living testimony to the history of Oviedo and a symbol of continuity and resistance. Its presence in the cathedral, alongside other jewels, is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that Asturias offers. For those seeking a place with a deep identity, where the past and the present are intertwined, Oviedo and its emblematic bell represent a unique invitation to discover and settle in a city that knows how to preserve its treasures while looking to the future.