THE OLDEST FOUNDRY IN ITALY
Tales of Bells
Marinelli Pontifical Bell Foundry is the oldest foundry in Italy and one of the oldest in the world specializing in the art of bells.
1000 years of bells
Marinelli Pontifical Bell Foundry is the oldest foundry in Italy and one of the oldest in the world specializing in the art of bells. The village of Agnone was home to several family dynasties that specialized in crafting bells, but the Marinelli Pontifical Bell Foundry is the only one that has survived eight centuries of repeatedly handing down this ancient art from father to son. In fact, on display in the Museum of the Bells, there is a rare gothic bell that is said to have been crafted in Agnone 1000 years ago.
Pope John Paul II visits the foundry
The most memorable highlight of recent years is still the time when Pope John Paul II came to visit the foundry in 1995 for the celebration of Saint Joseph the Artisan.
Craftsmanship passed down through the centuries
Over the many centuries of its history, the Marinelli Bell Foundry has seen its difficult moments highlighted by many satisfactory moments. One of the most significant moments for the Marinelli family was in 1924, the year in which Pope Pio XI granted them the privilege of portraying the Papal Coat of Arms in their works.
