A 30-year-old tourist has been struck dead by a huge church bell during a Spanish tradition.

The freak accident happened this morning before 7.30am when the victim was visiting the tower of a church in El Pinell de Brai, Tarragona.

Every year, visitors are invited up to the bell tower at church of Sant Llorenç prior to the Santa Magdalena romeria, a post-Easter celebration.

The man died instantly when a bell which was ringing to announce the ceremony struck him on the head.

In accordance with this custom, a group of residents climbed the bell tower, including the victim, the son of a family that resides in Barcelona but is linked to the town.

Here is a look at the church where a tourist, 30, was instantly killed in a freak accident

Once at the top, a bell hit the man, who received a strong blow to the head, causing him to die instantly. 

Doctors from the Emergency Medical System tried without success to revive him. A fire crew also rushed to the scene to recover his body. A person on the scene with medical experience also tried to save his life but without success.

Police have opened an investigation. A team of psychologists was also called in to help his distraught family and friends.

The mayoress of Pinell de Brai, Laura Vallespí, has declared three days of mourning after the death of the young man, who was originally from the town of Terra Alta. The Santa Magdalena festivities have also been officially suspended.

'There has always been a tradition of ringing the bell for Santa Magdalena,' she said. 'Unfortunately, this did not end well today.'

The mayoress said there could be changes in the tradition of ringing the bell.

'Surely it will have to be done differently. We will let today pass because we are in a state of shock, and then we will evaluate it between the City Council, the Santa Magdalena association and the church,' she said.