Fountain of San Francesco, Milan
The fountain of San Francesco in Milan (La Fontana di San Francesco) seems much older than it really is. Its actual age is only approaching 100 years. Despite being located not far from the centre, the fountain offers a traveller a repose from hustle and bustle. A calm atmosphere is complemented by the sculptural composition.
Fountain history
The construction of the fountain began in 1925 under the supervision of the engineer Amorosi. It was carried out as part of the church and Franciscan monastery restoration. In 1926-1927, a statue St. Francis of Assisi was erected on the 700th anniversary of his death by the sculptor Giannino Castiglioni. The fountain was opened in 1928.
The saint, to whom the entire composition is dedicated, was the founder of the mendicant Franciscan order who lived in 1182-1226. The monk gave three vows: poverty, chastity, and obedience. It is said that he performed many miracles, including healing the sick. The saint died on the 4th of October. According to historians, Benito Mussolini actively contributed to the celebration of this day and fundraising for the Franciscans.
Over time, the fountain became dilapidated. Some sculptures were stolen. In 2003, it was restored and reopened to please the eye of citizens and tourists.
Sculptural composition
The main material used is stone, which makes the fountain look coeval with the saint to whom it is dedicated. It has an octagonal base of about 35 meters along the perimeter. Inside it, is a stone well filled with water. It has 4 holes from which water flows into the deepening in the base.
The well has bronze figures of birds at its edges. Opposite to them stands Saint Francis, preaching to the feathery band. Earlier there were also 6 bronze figures of turtles but they were stolen by local thieves. In the mouth of the fountain there is an engraved inscription in Latin "Pax et bonum". On the perimeter of the well's rim there are such words: "Laudato sii mi Signore per sora acqua, la quale è molto utile et humile et preziosa et casta." In short, this line calls to praise God for the water that has been given.
How to get there
The fountain is located in a small square, Piazza Sant 'Angelo, in front of the 16th-century church in the Baroque style that bears the same name. The square is situated slightly north of the centre of Milan in the Porta Nuova neighbourhood. Nearby, there is Villa Reale that houses the Gallery of Modern Art.
It is easily accessible by the buses № 43, 94. Bus stop: Via Moscova C.so Di P.ta Nuova. There are also a tram stop (route 1) and the Turati metro station (line 3). The fountain is about 5 minutes' walk from them.
