La Sperduta – the bell that showed travelers the way

Legend has it that a pilgrim arrived at the gates of Rome at night and got lost. She prayed to the Virgin Mary for help, and at that moment, she heard the bells of Santa Maria Maggiore ringing. The bell, forged in 1289, was thus given the name “La Sperduta” and came to symbolize Mary as a guide and signpost. Listen to Andreas Raub, Artistic-Scientific Director of the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.