The art of bell casting
How a bell is born
Bell casting is a journey of centuries: knowledge and experience pass from generation to generation, and every stage demands patience, precision and respect.
A bell is not just an object; it is a living being of metal and fire, carrying within it history, faith and music.
Tsitouras Bells
The stages
From design to voice
- 01
The design
The profile of the bell — the curve of its wall from the top down to the lip — determines its note and the colour of its sound.
- 02
The mould
The mould is made from the design. This is also where the inscriptions and reliefs the bell will carry are added.
- 03
The alloy
The bell is cast in bell bronze, an alloy of copper and tin that gives it its characteristic clear, long-sustaining voice.
- 04
The casting
The molten metal is poured into the mould. It is the moment of fire — one nobody forgets once they have witnessed it.
- 05
Cooling and cleaning
The bell cools slowly inside the mould. Then it is released, cleaned and finished.
- 06
The sound
We check the note and the quality of the sound. Every bell has its own voice, which will ring out for decades.
Heritage
A craft that began in 1930
For us, bell making is not only a craft but an inseparable part of our history and identity, which goes back to 1930.
The third generation of the family proudly carries on this work: keeping traditions and the commitment to quality alive while innovating, so that this unique craft passes on to the generations to come.
Video
Bell casting, up close
Keep exploring
See also
Tuned bells
Bells cast to a specific note, matched to one another, that can play hymns (troparia).
Explore moreHear & play the bells
Build your own harmonic set and listen to 42 real recordings of our bells.
Explore moreSizes & weights
The full table of weights and diameters — and how much your own bell weighs.
Explore moreMade to order
With the name of the church, its saint and the donors — in any language and alphabet.
Explore moreShip’s bells
Bronze ship’s bell, Ø 30 cm, as COLREG specifies for vessels of 20 metres and over.
Explore moreElectronic bells
More than 500 hymns (troparia) via Wi-Fi, remote control or mobile phone — and combined with real bells.
Explore moreBells
Tuned bells, each cast to a note, from 5 to 4,250 kg — and made to order.
Explore more