The largest bell in Milan Cathedral is the “Alfa” Bell. Weighing 8 tons, it is suspended from a frame at the base of the Dome and was cast in 1766 by Carlo Giuseppe Marino. Its diameter is 3.05 meters and its height reaches 4 meters. The sound produced by this large bell has been described as “intense and melodious”, ringing out for up to 12 seconds after being struck. It is used during important church events such as Easter Sunday Mass and Christmas Eve Mass, as well as on special occasions such as national holidays or to mark the death of a Pope.