Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Campanile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔔
Add to dictionary

campanile

[ˌkæmpəˈniːliː ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

architecture

A campanile is a freestanding bell tower, typically near a church or cathedral.

Synonyms

belfry, bell tower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
campanile

This word is often used in the context of Italian architecture or when you want to emphasize the style and cultural background of the tower. It is derived from the Italian word for 'bell tower.'

  • The campanile of St. Mark's in Venice is an iconic landmark.
bell tower

A general term that can refer to any tower or structure that houses bells. It is the most straightforward and neutral term among the group.

  • The bell tower at the university chimes every hour.
belfry

Appropriate in describing the part of the tower where the bells are housed. It often has a Gothic architectural connotation.

  • The belfry of the old church was home to dozens of bats.

Examples of usage

  • The campanile of the church could be seen from miles away.
  • The campanile is an iconic symbol of the city.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Campaniles often feature distinct architectural styles, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic, showcasing the era's design principles.
  • Famous examples include the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, demonstrating how these structures can also serve as landmarks.
  • They are typically taller than the adjacent church to signify their importance and function in community life.

Cultural Significance

  • In many Italian towns, the sound of the campanile bells marks the time and calls people to community events, playing a key social role.
  • Campaniles often serve as symbols of a community's identity, representing local history and pride in architecture.
  • Festivals and celebrations frequently incorporate the bells of the campanile, connecting cultural heritage with daily life.

Art and Literature

  • Campaniles have been subjects in many famous paintings and photographs, often symbolizing the heart of a town or city.
  • They appear in various literary works, symbolizing time, tradition, or the passage of life, deeply rooted in human experience.
  • The design of campaniles has inspired artists and architects worldwide, influencing both historical and contemporary styles.

Sound and Music

  • The bells housed in campaniles are often tuned to specific musical scales, allowing them to create complex melodies.
  • Campanile bells are typically rung for significant events, such as weddings, holidays, or memorials, enhancing their communal importance.
  • Carillons, a set of finely tuned bells in some campaniles, can play music, contributing to the cultural landscape of the area.

Origin of 'campanile'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Italian term 'campana,' meaning 'bell,' reflecting the purpose of these towers to house bells.
  • It was first used in medieval Europe to describe bell-towers that were separate from the main church building.
  • The term has Latin roots, tracing back to 'campanilis,' which literally means 'bell tower.'

The word 'campanile' comes from Italian 'campana' meaning 'bell'. Campaniles have been a common architectural feature in Italy since the Middle Ages, serving as both a functional element for housing bells and a decorative element for churches and cathedrals.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,959 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.