Fondazione Campana dei Caduti

The Bell of the Fallen and of Peace “Maria Dolens” was conceived by a priest from Rovereto, after the First World War, as an everlasting symbol to condemn all conflicts, to call for peace of consciences and brotherhood among people all over the world. It was cast using the bronze derived from cannons offered by the nations which had taken part in the First World War and it was inaugurated on 4th October 1925. On 18th January 1968, the Fondazione Opera Campana dei Caduti was established. On 10th May 2006 a partnership agreement with the Council of Europe was signed and in August 2009 the U.N. conferred the special consultative status to the Fondazione. It thus develops its projects internationally, maintaining its roots in its territory through congresses, exhibitions, aiming at promoting a culture of peace and mutual understanding between people and nations. 80.000 people per year visit the monumental area where the Bell is located and carry out activities that allow to know in detail the motivations that led to the creation of the Bell and the initiatives for the promotion of the culture of peace. All the arts (music, paint, theater, dance, photography, writing) are used to promote the ideals of the bell and to engaged people to do it. The Foundation is strongly committed to teach young people about the culture of peace and brotherhood among peoples, all projects and initiatives are centered on teaching the founding values of the Bell to the younger generations. Since many yaers, the Peace Bell Foundation has promoted, through all the initiatives (and also with the work of the volunteer) the goals of the United Nations' 2030 agenda (i.e. goals 4; 6; 13; 16; 17).