Case file · High strangeness
The bell of Velilla rings by itself
The bell of the hermitage of San Nicolás at Velilla de Ebro (Zaragoza) was said to ring on its own before great events; tolls were recorded in 1435, 1527, 1601 and 1679, among others.
1435 CE · 41.38, -0.43 · status: legend
The account
Chroniclers linked its ringing to royal deaths and disasters, and it became one of Spain's most famous prodigies. Notarial affidavits were drawn up for some episodes.
The sceptical view
In the 18th century Benito Jerónimo Feijoo examined the accounts and argued they rested on rumour and hoax.