Agnone, a beautiful village in northern Molise, is home to one of the oldest bell foundry of the world. “Campane Marinelli” was founded in 1339 so its history goes back almost a millennia!
The foundry is still owned by the same family, the Marinelli, and the bells are still made with the same artisanal method of hundreds of years ago.
The production process is absolutely fascinating but complex. It takes at least 3 months to make an average size bell. For a very big size instead, it can take up to 1 year and a half!
The process involves different “maestranze” (artisans with different skills). From the masters of the foundry, able to create the perfect alloy of copper and tin, to the masters involved in the design of the bells, able to create all sorts of decorations requested by the clients, which are from all over the world.
It is interesting to know that in the past the masters would move close to the church where the bell was going to be placed. For months they would live in the area and work non-stop until the bell was ready and placed on the tower. Nowadays this is not happening anymore but the Marinelli brothers dream to bring back to life this charming tradition one day…I think this is so beautiful!
If you ever come to Molise you must visit this place, it is truly magical. There is also a museum and if you come in a group, you can book a guided tour in English as well!
You can find all the info on their website: http://campanemarinelli.com/en/
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