The existing bells date back to 1922 (five larger ones) and 1988 (three smaller ones) and, until last June, were all housed in the right tower. The four new bells were cast on December 11 at the Allanconi foundry in Bolzone di Ripalta Cremasca (CR), in the presence of the Rector of the Basilica, Fr. Michele Viviano, and members of the "CampaneTO – Friends of the Sacred" (Turin Bells) association.

On the morning of Thursday, December 19, the bells arrived at the Basilica and were displayed in front of the presbytery for the faithful to see throughout the Christmas season. The selection of names, dedications, and inscriptions honors great saints and blesseds of the Salesian Family:

• The largest bell, tuned to the musical note B and weighing 246 kg, is dedicated to Saint John Bosco in the Bicentenary of the Dream of the Nine Years. Its inscription features Mary’s words to young John in the meadow of Becchi: "I will give you a teacher under whose guidance you can become wise."
• The second bell, tuned to the musical note D# and weighing 122 kg, honors Saints Louis Versiglia and Callistus Caravario (martyrs) and Saint Artemide Zatti in the Holy Year 2025. It bears the Jubilee emblem and the inscription: "May their testimony be our glory."
• The third bell, tuned to the musical note F and weighing 87 kg, is dedicated to Saint Mary Mazzarello, co-founder of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. It features a quote from her writings: "Every stitch (every chime) is an act of love for God."
• The fourth bell, tuned to the musica note F# and weighing 72 kg, pays tribute to Blessed Michael Rua, Don Bosco’s first successor. The inscription reads: "In Mirabello, I will strive to be Don Bosco," a commitment Don Rua made when he was appointed Rector in 1863.

The new bells have been placed in the left bell tower, which had remained empty until now. They join the three smaller bells from the original set, cast in 1988 for the centenary of Don Bosco’s death.

With this expansion, the Basilica now boasts the second-largest bell ensemble in Turin, just weeks after the recognition of the sound of sacred bells as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The twelve-bell carillon, tuned in C#, allows for the performance of a wide repertoire of sacred hymns and melodies from the Catholic and Salesian traditions, aligning with key liturgical celebrations throughout the year.

Fr. Viviano, the Basilica’s Rector, expressed great satisfaction with the project, which he closely followed from the beginning. He was supported by Fr. Giorgio De Giorgi (SDB), the Economer of the Special Circumscription Italy–Piedmont and Aosta Valley (ICP), the architectural firm Fabrica.tre, the "CampaneTO – Friends of the Sacred" association, and the Trebino company from Uscio (GE), which handled the installation and electrification.

Following a solemn blessing by Mons. Alessandro Giraudo, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Turin, during the evening Mass on January 6, the bells were lifted into the tower on the morning of Friday, January 10, using a powerful crane over 40 meters tall.

In the following weeks, motors were connected to operate the bells, hammers were installed for the carillon sounds, and the control panel in the sacristy was set up. On January 21, the tuning and programming of the bells began, storing traditional melodies and hymns in the computer system.

Finally, on Thursday, January 30, at 4:30 PM, the twelve bells rang out for the first time in celebration of the First Vespers of the Feast of Saint John Bosco. Gathered in the square in front of the Basilica, Fr. Viviano, Fr. De Giorgi, Salesians, and numerous faithful listened with joy as the "CampaneTO – Friends of the Sacred" association performed a selection of hymns, including "Giù dai colli," the Jubilee Hymn, and "Father, Teacher, and Friend."

The event concluded with a grand bell-ringing ceremony, including the "a bicchiere" technique (180° swinging of the largest bell) and the simultaneous peal of all twelve bells. Joining them was the historic bell from the Church of Saint Francis de Sales, cast in 1929, which rang again after years of silence.

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