A new voice rings out in Valletta! St John’s Co-Cathedral welcomes new bell ‘Carola Francisca’
The newest arrival weighs a mighty 2,350kg, and carries even more in tradition.
A rare moment in Valletta’s history has arrived – St John’s Co-Cathedral has welcomed a brand-new bronze bell, marking the first addition to its historic belfry in over four decades.
Named ‘Carola Francisca’ in honour of Pope Francis and Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the new bell arrived recently from the Royal Eijsbouts Bellfoundry in the Netherlands, renowned for its craftsmanship and acoustic precision. Weighing 2,350kg and tuned to a B natural musical note, ‘Carola Francisca’ has been carefully designed to blend harmoniously with the Cathedral’s unique and historically rich bell ensemble, which includes bells dating back as far as 1619.
Before it takes its place in the belfry, visitors can admire its finely sculpted details, including armorial shields, Latin inscriptions, and cherubic figures, all reminiscent of the artistry found in 17th-century bellfounding.
The bell is part of a wider effort to preserve and enrich the sonic heritage of the Co-Cathedral, whose bell system is a remarkable fusion of tones cast by various European bellfounders between 1619 and 1748. With the addition of ‘Carola Francisca’, the Cathedral’s bell ensemble is now once again complete, following years of tonal imbalance due to a missing counterpart.
Beyond its technical function, this new bell is also symbolic, representing a sound of unity and renewal, connecting Malta’s sacred heritage with a contemporary voice that honours both local tradition and the global Church.
This historic addition is not only an acoustic upgrade, but also a chance for locals and visitors to witness a once-in-a-generation moment – the birth of a bell that will ring through Valletta for centuries to come.
Looking forward to hearing the Co-Cathedral’s new sounds?