The history of the bells of St. Gereon begins over 1250 years ago. Starting with the prayer bell of the canons and culminating in the crowning melodic Rococo chime from 1779, cast by the renowned Rhineland bell founder Martin Legros from Malmedy, it tells of a vibrant past and a liturgical life oriented towards the future. A significant chime emerges, which the Cologne local historian and poet Johann Jakob Merlo enthusiastically praises in poetic verses. During World War II, it was partially destroyed and was "happily restored" in 1962 according to the composition formula provided by Master Legros, so that even today the fascination is palpable when it merges into an impressive aesthetic experience with its wonderful harmony and powerful sound fullness alongside the two distinctive Romanesque towers of the basilica.