The Intergovernmental Committee of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has officially proclaimed the extension to Italy of UNESCO's recognition of traditional Bell Art as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is yet another significant milestone achieved that sees one of its oldest and most beloved traditions enhanced.

The element, already recognized by UNESCO in 2022 as intangible heritage of Spain, is now extended to Italy as well. Bell art represents the universality and shared value of a tradition that has accompanied festival time for centuries, uniting generations and cultures in the melodious sound of bells.

The Italian element has expressed a set of material and immaterial components, ranging from the techniques of ringing bells, to their construction, to the architectural structures of historic bell cells and bell towers. All this, together with the lively participation heritage recalls, gives life to soundscapes that propagate from our Churches and Cathedrals.

The nomination process was coordinated by the Ministry of Culture, with the support of the National Federation of Bell Ringers and the communities of practitioners represented by numerous local associations. Special thanks are expressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO for their continued cooperation.