The bells of Barga are silent today as once again essential maintenance work it taking place on the centuries old bells.
Things wear out and have to be checked and replaced if necessary.
Last month new safety rules involving bells came into place right across the country which meant that safety work had to be done. The clappers were removed from all the bells and metal rings welded on the bottom edges so that thick steel cables could be attached so that if any did fail the clappers would still remain connected to the bell (article here)
This month, the largest bell weighing more than two tons, which was cast in in 1737, has been troubled of late with what felt to the experienced campani almost a sticking action near to the apex of the swing and was becoming more difficult to pull.
It was time to check on the bearings which carry the weight of the centuries old bell and which were last changed over a decade ago.
In fact once the bearings were removed, metal shavings were found in the oil and on the second bearing deep grooves in the metal as the bearing was gradually failing.
New bearings specially ordered were installed and once more the bells returned to perfect working condition.
