The Bell of Peace “Maria Dolens”

The Peace Bell "Maria Dolens" stands on the colle di Miravalle above Rovereto and near Castel Dante, a symbolic place where around 20,000 Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers are resting today. For almost a century, its hundred chimes have rung out every evening in the city of Rovereto and its surroundings in remembrance of the war fallen, but also to favour and promote peace.

The bell was designed in 1924 in Trento by the will of don Antonio Rossaro, a priest from Rovereto. The bronze it is made of originates from different cannons, used by various countries during World War I. In October 1925 it was named "Maria Dolens" and initially exhibited at the Castle of Rovereto. The current bell, blessed by Pope Paul VI, is actually the third version of the original one. Maria Dolens was smelted three times since its construction. In 1939 it was smelted two times with the aim of obtaining a more pleasant sound and in the 1960's to fix an irreparable crack. It was decorated with Neoclassical low reliefs by the Trentinian sculptor Stefano Zuech. With a height of 3.36 metres, a diameter of 3.21 metres and a weight of 22,639 kg, it is the biggest full peal bell, characterised by an intense and constant sound, in the world.

The alley leading to the bell was decorated with the flags of the nations, organisations and communities engaged in promoting peace and brotherhood among populations. The Campana dei Caduti is located in a museum area and complete with a photo exhibition telling about its history. By taking a forest path from there you can easily reach the memorial monument of Castel Dante.