This video captures the complete 10 minute playing of the Glockenspiel (bells play) in Munich, Germany.

The Glockenspiel is housed in the tower of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) located in Marienplatz in the city of Munich. The fourth-largest Glockenspiel in Europe, this mechanical clock was installed in 1908 and consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figurines that re-enact two significant events from Bavarian history. The clock is a symbol of Bavarian pride and tradition.

The upper level of the Glockenspiel depicts the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renate of Lorraine in 1568, complete with a jousting tournament where the Bavarian knight triumphs. The lower level shows the Schäfflertanz (coopers’ dance), which according to legend, was first performed after a severe plague when barrel makers ventured into the streets to lift the spirits of the stricken population.

Marienplatz is the central square of Munich. It has served as the city’s main square since 1158. Marienplatz was originally known as Markth (market), Schranne (grain market), and later Schrannenplatz (grain market square) during the Middle Ages, when it was used for markets and tournaments. The square was renamed Marienplatz on October 9, 1854, after the grain market was moved to a new location.

The Neues Rathaus is a magnificent neo-Gothic building built between 1867 and 1909 to accommodate the growing city government, as the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) had become too small. The building was designed by Georg von Hauberrisser, who won the architectural competition at the age of 24. The Neues Rathaus boasts a stunning Flemish Gothic style facade stretching over 100 meters (328 feet) along Marienplatz. The exterior features intricate stone ornamentation depicting local folk legends, religious stories, and the city’s founders.