Caltanissetta residents file complaint about noisy church bells

Last Updated: October 3, 2023

The parish priest has increased and intensified the ringing of the bells, leading to a whole neighborhood filing a complaint for disturbance of the public peace. This is happening in the San Giuseppe neighborhood of Caltanissetta, one of the most populous in the historic center. The residents state in their complaint that the sound of the church bells has been modified in the past few months, becoming unbearable and excessively loud. The intensity and repetition of the ringing has increased, causing distress to the residents living near the bell tower. Numerous and prolonged tunes and melodies are now being added at various hours, starting from 7 am until 9 pm. The hourly strikes occur without interruption, every half hour from 7 am. The residents argue that at certain times, the bells ring continuously with exhausting and prolonged rhythms, making their lives impossible, nerve-wracking, and stressful. Some residents have reported symptoms of exhaustion, neurological discomfort, psychological stress, and even hearing impairments. Despite their attachment to the church, the residents have felt compelled to report the situation in order to protect their mental and physical health.