The Premio San Cristoforo d’Oro (Golden St Christopher medal) named for Barga’s ancient patron, Saint Christopher, are presented each year to celebrate extraordinary contributions to the city and its people.
High emotion in the bell tower of the Duomo in Barga Vecchia yesterday as a letter arrived addressed to the Campanari – the bell ringers.
They have been awarded the Premio San Cristoforo d’Oro (Golden St Christopher medal) for their constant work over the years making sure that the centuries old bells can be heard over the city.
The smallest bell in the Duomo is also the oldest, being cast in 1580, the largest in 1737. In the middle is the Mezzana which was cast in 1812 in the Bimbi foundry with a diameter of 114 cms and a height of 118cms.
The bell ringers in Barga is a tradition that has been handed down for centuries and is mainly linked to the cult of the Madonna del Molino and the anniversary of the Immaculate Conception.
Documents from that time, preserved in the municipal archives, attest that already in 1522, bell ringers were commissioned to ring in honour of the Madonna.
Now five hundred years later the bells are still being heard and with pleasure the Municipal Administration wants to remember and celebrate
this anniversary.
The most senior of the bell ringers Remo was unfortunately not there when the letter arrived due to quarantine for Covid but a quick call from Caterina Campari, the Mayor of Barga released a veritable flood of emotions from the man once he heard the news.
The gold medal will be handed over the bellringers on the 24th July at the Teatro dei Differenti in Barga Vecchia.
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