Bells

St. Peter’s Basilica has six bells, housed in a small chamber beneath the Roman clock, although only three of them are visible from the ground. The bells are electrically operated, allowing their sound to resonate across great distances. All six bells are rung together on major occasions, including Christmas and Easter, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, each time the Pope delivers the Urbi et Orbi blessing, and when a new Pope is elected.