THE MIRACLE BELL

CLIMB THE BELL TOWER TO HEAR THE 'SOUND OF THE MIRACLE' IN PERSON

The chimes of the historic bells in the bell tower of the ancient parish church dedicated to San Nicolò, affectionately called the "old church" today, have echoed during festivities for centuries. Among them, one holds symbolic significance for the people of Pietra: the "Bell of the Miracle," the largest bell that bears the visible imprint of a hand, which tradition claims to be that of San Nicolò, the town's patron saint.

The guided tour will lead you to discover this ancient sacred building, so important to the city. Built in the year 885, rebuilt and enlarged in 1384 in Romanesque style, the church was abandoned in 1791 with the opening of the new parish church, the current Basilica of San Nicolò, and in 1796, it was granted by the "Pietrese parliament" to the Confraternity of the Disciplinanti.

Since then, the church has also been known as the Oratory of the Conception or "of the Whites." In 2007, the supports of the bells were in precarious condition, making it dangerous to ring them. A group of volunteers secured them so that their chimes could once again echo as a sign of pride and joyous devotion.

Even today, the citizens of Pietra are very devoted to their patron saint, and as recommended by an ancient plaque embedded in the church pillar, the great Feast of the Miracle is celebrated in his honor every year.