Here’s something you’ve probably never seen before. Bring your binoculars (really!)—the tower is tall, and watching the Bell Ringers in action is a true spectacle.

The Bell Tower of the Palazzo dei Consoli rises to a height of sixty meters and houses a bell weighing 966 kg (not including the clapper, which weighs 114 kg). It has a diameter of 1.43 m and a height of 1.52 m. In short, this is no ordinary bell—it is the mighty Campanone (“Great Bell”). It is rung on special occasions in the city’s life by the Campanari (Bell Ringers) using a traditional technique known as “a bicchiere”, or “like a cup.” The bell is pushed with the feet until it flips upside down, like a cup, and is then struck with the clapper. Two additional bells—the Mezzana and the Small Bell—are often added to complete the chime.

The music of the Campanone has roots in medieval tradition, but it is also updated to commemorate more recent events and people. It is a living art form, constantly evolving. Performances can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the occasion.
The thrill of hearing the Campanone is not only physical—thanks to the dizzying height—but also emotional. Its deep, resonant sound travels through the air, reverberating against the tower’s walls and echoing down into the streets and squares below, reaching far and wide. The tolling of the Campanone creates a sound bridge between past and present—perhaps the most direct way to connect with the history and genius loci of the city.
To see and hear the Campanone ring from such a height is an unforgettable experience—one that creates a deep connection with the beating heart of Gubbio.