The Bell Tower

In 1632, after the destruction of the castle, the small church remained standing and became accessible to everybody in Diano. At the time, a small 9 meter high bell tower was built.

The parish priest, Don Giò Francesco Ravinale, organized a fundraiser among the parishioners during the early 1700s and secured the financial help from the municipality for the construction of a new bell tower. In 1729 the old bell tower was demolished and a group of volunteers organized its reconstruction.

The work was suspended because better planning and costruction skills were needed and so the municipality of Diano, for the completion of the work, commissioned the architect Gallina di Alba and the master builder Mr. Oliva. The construction site lasted from 1732 to 1738. Stones and bricks from the old Castle were also used.

In 1761, the large bell that plays the "F" note was placed, weighing 670 kg and with a diameter of 105 cm. Countess Ruffino Silvia Dal Pozzo cast several silver medals into the fine bronze casting, giving it a particularly ringing sound. 

NAPOLEONE BONAPARTE

During the Napoleonic invasion the bell was saved by a miracle, because Napoleon, having learned its inestimable value, he wanted transform it into coins. Fortunately, our ancestors feigned difficulty in dismantling it, so they managed to save it. Napoleon, however, made the inhabitants to pay large quantities of copper and silver as compensation.

The new 42 meter high bell tower is a true work of art, but appears disproportionate next to the small ancient church. A few years later, in 1763, began the construction of the new majestic Church of St. John the Baptist.

- To find out more watch this video by Mario Proglio -