Next to the Sanctuary of Madonna dello Splendore in Giulianova Alta, a set of four bells installed in 1924 thanks to engineer Ernesto Pelagalli remains a powerful symbol of community faith, architectural ingenuity, and local identity. This article recounts their origin, historical meaning, and why they still echo in the memory of the town.
Origin and curiosities
On August 16, 1924, engineer Ernesto Pelagalli was appointed by the prefectural commissioner Ermanno Colucci to inspect the bell tower of the Sanctuary of Splendore. His task was to assess whether the tower could safely support four new bells that the Capuchin friars, aided by the Franciscan Third Order, had commissioned for the 10th anniversary of the crowning of the Virgin of Splendore.
Pelagalli confirmed the tower’s structural soundness, and noted that the total weight of the bells would be approximately 10 quintals; the largest bell, dedicated to the Queen of Peace, alone weighed 6 quintals and was cast using war bronze.
On August 21, 1924, the Municipality granted approval after ensuring safety via Pelagalli’s designed system of inceppamento and jointed iron keys in tension. The four bells, already blessed, were placed on August 24, 1924, making that date a lasting milestone for the local community.
What to see (and hear)
- Original impact of the bell concert: although the 1924 bells were replaced in 1961, those original bells remain remembered and documented; listening to recordings or reading about them carries a sense of historic depth.
- The bell tower itself: study the architectural interventions, including Pelagalli’s reinforcement work and the original fixing structures he required.
- The Sanctuary complex: the religious art, the miraculous fountain, the artworks, the spiritual atmosphere — all contribute to making the bells more than mere instruments.
Best time to visit
The bells ring on major feast days associated with the Madonna dello Splendore. Even though the original 1924 bells are no longer there, the anniversary of their installation (August 24) remains symbolically important.
The Sanctuary is open year-round; for the richest experience, visit during solemn masses or local festivities linked to the Madonna.
How to get there
🚶 On foot: a short walk from Giulianova Alta’s center leads to the Sanctuary, well signposted.
🚗 By car: you can drive close and then explore the historic zone on foot. The view of the campanile from different angles around the Sanctuary offers rich visual access.
Why visit it
The Bells of Splendour, as commissioned and overseen by Ernesto Pelagalli in 1924, are more than instruments — they are markers of faith, engineering, and civic participation.
Visiting the Sanctuary and exploring their story means stepping into a chapter of Giulianova Alta’s identity: a blend of artistry, history and devotion that continues to resonate in the present.
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