Santa Caterina Statue, Rome
Santa Caterina Statue is a monument built to honor Saint Catherine of Siena, who was canonized in 1461. It is located in the central part of the city, on Tiber’s shore, in the Adriano park. The monument consists of an 8-meter high statue made of white marble and four bas-reliefs. The saint is wearing a religious habit; her face speaks sorrow, her hands are holding a cross. The monument is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting Biblical themes. The artist who created the sculpture was a famous Italian sculptor Francesco Messina. The statue was established in 1962.
Who is Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Catherine was 24th child born to Giacomo di Benincasa, a dyer from Siena. Catherine had vision her whole life – she once fell into a trance, and everyone deemed her dead, but at that time God came to her, and she was called upon to rise and fight for peace among people.
In 1370s Saint Catherine of Siena corresponded with Popes and many leaders of the greatest Italian states. Only 400 letters survived to the present day. Thanks to her efforts the last Avignon Pope Gregory XI returned to Rome. However a new rift had developed after his death – three people at once set forth a claim to the throne.
Catherine died at the age of 33 allegedly due to exhaustion. Saint Catherine of Siena was the first woman in a long time allowed to preach in church. In the 20th century, she was proclaimed as a patron saint of Italy and named a Doctor of the Church.
How to get
Santa Caterina Statue is located between Via della Conciliazione street and the Mausoleum of Hadrian, on the triangle shaped Giovanni XIII square. You can get here by public transport if you take a bus №40, 62, 64, or 982.
