Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli
The Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli is a bell foundry in Agnone, Italy, producing bronze bells since the Middle Ages. The workshops contain large furnaces, hand tools, and bells at various stages of production alongside a museum displaying the craft's history and techniques.
The Marinelli family began working with bells in the 14th century, with one of the oldest signed bells bearing the name Nicodemo Marinelli. This craft tradition passed through more than 27 generations and continues to define the community today.
The foundry is deeply connected to Agnone and has shaped the town's identity for centuries. The craft of bell-making remains visible today as you watch artisans at work and hear the sounds of their creation in the workshop.
The foundry and museum are open daily except Sunday afternoons, and group visits or tours in other languages should be booked in advance by email. The building has full accessibility with elevators on all floors, making it easy for wheelchairs and strollers to move through the space.
Some bells made here were crafted for special events like the Osaka Expo 2025, showing that this ancient craft remains sought after internationally today. Visitors can purchase small and medium-sized bells in the shop, each bearing the Marinelli mark and available for personalization with names or messages.
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