Monument to Saint Francis of Assisi, Rome

In 1927, a monument to Saint Francis of Assisi, by the sculptor Giuseppe Tonnini, was opened in the square of Porta San Giovanni to honour 700'th anniversary of his death. Francis of Assisi is a Catholic Saint who founded a monastic order now named after him – the Franciscan Order.

Interesting facts

• Legends claim that Francis could understand the language of animals and communicate with them as well as heal people from various diseases and even resurrect the dead.
• The saint's cassock is tied in three knots. They represent the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience which he took.
• This is the only Saint among the Franciscans who had stigmata on his hands, legs and under his rib reminiscent of Christ's wounds.
• It is said that Francis told the Pope, in a meeting, about a strange dream in which he propped up the Lateran Basilica with his arms. Indeed, if you look at the monument from a certain point, it seems to support the cathedral.

How to get there

The monument to Saint Francis of Assisi is located at the San Giovanni station on the line A. It is also possible to take trams № 3, 8 that run through the square.