Bells on the rooftops of Venice, Christmas Eve

Recorded by Cities and Memory. Christmas Eve in Venice is always a special time - the city is simultaneously much quieter than usual as the tourists have mostly left, but there's still the special Christmas atmosphere. At the top of the Palazzo at Fontego dei Tedeschi there's a roof terrace affording some of the most spectacular views of the city - but also one of the most spectacular soundscapes. On the hour, bells ring out across the city, starting with one or two churches, then blossoming into dozens and even hundreds. From atop the roof terrace you can hear it all, as a glorious choir of ancient bell chimes surrounds you from all sounds. One of my favourite field recordings of 2017.