University of Portland Bell Tower

The University of Portland Bell Tower is located at the spiritual and academic center of the University, immediately adjacent to the Pietro Belluschi-designed Chapel of Christ on the main academic quadrangle. Ninety-five feet tall and crowned by a brushed stainless steel cross, the Tower was designed to be visually complimentary to several nearby campus buildings. Special care was taken to ensure that the Tower’s cupola, constructed from glass fiber reinforced concrete, mirrored the form of the lantern atop the Chapel of Christ without copying Belluschi’s design directly.

The Bell Tower sits in a plaza that accommodates both University gathering as well as contemplation in the adjacent Marian Garden. The Tower houses 14 bronze bells which ring the hours of the day and, for special events, call the students together in the plaza and to the Chapel.