The Bell Room at the Mdina Metropolitan Cathedral Museum is home to Malta’s oldest bell, known as Petronilla, a rare and invaluable example of medieval campanological art. Cast in 1370 by the Venetian bell-founders Nicholas and Victor, this bell is the only local medieval bell still preserved in Malta.
Origins and Historical Significance
Petronilla originally hung in the belfry of the old medieval cathedral. On 7th August 1645, it was ceremoniously lowered from the tower and christened and consecrated in honour of St. Peter by Bishop Miguel Juan Balaguer Camarasa (1635–1663).
The bell is richly decorated with symbolic imagery:
- An effigy of St. Paul, holding a sword aloft—the “sword of victory”—is embossed on one side.
- Three armorial shields adorn the remaining surfaces, including a rampant lion, possibly representing St. Mark the Evangelist, the patron saint of Venice, where the bell was originally cast.
- Above the sound bow, a Gothic inscription records the year of casting, the names of the founder brothers, and the matrix city, providing a rare glimpse into 14th-century Venetian craftsmanship.
Survival Through Catastrophe
The earthquake of 1693 caused significant damage to the medieval cathedral, which was rebuilt in Baroque style by Lorenzo Gafà between 1697 and 1703. Petronilla is one of the few relics to survive from the original cathedral, making it a unique historical artifact connecting Malta’s medieval and Baroque ecclesiastical heritage.
Musical Characteristics
Petronilla has a distinctively medieval timbre, offering a rare auditory insight into the sound of bells from this period. Its tone differs significantly from the later cathedral bells, which were cast with new profiles and musical characteristics. Continued use of the bell in the cathedral could risk cracking, potentially rendering it toneless, which contributed to the decision to retire it.
Restoration and Conservation
In 2008, the bell was carefully removed from the cathedral belfry, an operation requiring over a year of planning due to its weight of over one tonne. Its former place in the belfry is now occupied by the cathedral’s treble bell, Publia (1958).
Restoration work was conducted by campanologist Kenneth Cauchi in the cathedral vestry, including:
- The removal of three incorrect paint layers applied to the bell’s crown
- Cleaning of corrosion products and rust stains
- Application of corrosion inhibitors and protective coatings to preserve the malachite noble bronze patina
After this meticulous conservation process, Petronilla was transferred to the Bell Room, where it is now displayed for the public, offering visitors both a visual and auditory connection to Malta’s medieval past.
Why Petronilla Matters
Petronilla is not just a bell; it is a historical document cast in bronze. From its Venetian origins and medieval artistry to its survival through earthquakes, Baroque rebuilding, and modern restoration, it embodies Malta’s religious, artistic, and cultural history. Visitors to the Bell Room can witness one of the rarest examples of medieval campanology in the world, preserved for future generations to study and appreciate.
