2255 Hwy. 1, at N end of town behind the
Bodega Bay Community Center.
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| Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
Set in a quiet spot way back from Highway 1--you really have to look for it--the Children's Bell Tower abuts a forest of Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees. An unpaved path from the parking lot passes a stone bench under a cypress tree on which hangs an interesting assortment of decorations left by visitors--school bells, church bells, ship bells, mining bells, cowbells.
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| flower-bedecked path leading to Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
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| Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
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| bench at Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
This 18-foot-high bell tower was built with funds donated by Italian citizens in 1994 as a monument to 7-year-old Nicholas Green, a local Bodega Bay child who while vacationing in Italy with his family was tragically shot to death by highway robbers. This story shocked and then warmed the hearts of people throughout the world when his parents decided to donate his organs to seven Italians who were waiting for transplants.
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| Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
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| Nicholas Green memorial at Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
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offerings at Nicholas Green memorial at Children’s Bell Tower
in Bodega Bay, California |
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| memorial plaque at Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
The three-tiered tubular steel tower holds 140 bells with clappers that chime--sometimes faintly, sometimes loudly--in the wind. Most were donated by Italians, and they were flown in by the Italian Air Force.
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| bells at Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
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| bells at Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
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| bells at Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
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| bells at Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
The 30-inch-high centerpiece bell is from the Marinelli foundry in Italy, which has made bells for the papacy for more than a thousand years. It is engraved with the name of Nicholas and the seven transplant recipients and was blessed by Pope John Paul II at the foundry.
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| centerpiece bell at Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
(707) 785-2377. Sunrise-sunset. Free parking.
The paved 1.1-mile Coastal Prairie Trail is bike- and pedestrian-friendly as well as accessible. It begins here and concludes at Keefe Avenue. In between it offers prairie and coastal views and connects to Sonoma Coast State Park, the Salmon Creek neighborhood, and south Salmon Creek Beach.
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| Coastal Prairie Trail sign by Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California |
2020 pandemic update: During this period when we are emerging from shutdown, we need to carefully consider activities to feed our spirit. Always visit a destination's website to check current pandemic regulations and schedules.
I had wanted to visit this site ever since I heard about it in the 1990s. I did pass by several times in the past and missed it. This time I was determined not to leave town until I found it. I'm so glad I was persistent. I ran into only four people while I was here. Social distancing was observed, but two people did not wear masks. Note that there is a port-a-potty near the parking lot.
More pandemic updates.
More things to do in Bodega Bay.
More things to do along Highway 1.
More ideas for exploring Northern California.
images ©
2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Wow, what a gorgeous installation and dedication, I would love to see this some day
ReplyDeleteThe Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California looks like a marvellous place to explore. Thx for putting it on my radar, Carole.
ReplyDeleteThe Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California looks like a marvellous place to explore. Thx for putting it on my radar, Carole.
ReplyDeleteThe Children's Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California looks like an amazing place to check out! Thx for sharing this find, Carole!
ReplyDeleteLove the variety of bells they have displayed. I bet it sounds beautiful when the winds blow.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat place for families!
ReplyDeleteWow. What a spectacular memorial to Nicholas. I love that he donated his organs and this was erected in his honor. :)
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this memorial. Sounds like an interesting place to hike and be outside in Southern California.
ReplyDeleteTo clarify, this is located north of San Francisco in Northern California.
DeleteIt is only 1.75 hours from my daughters house. I want to see this Children's Bell Tower!
ReplyDeleteI always like it when you come across something unexpected and hidden away. And the Children's Bell Tower has a great story.
ReplyDelete