St Catherine of Siena

Gardens of Castel Sant' Angelo

St Catherine of Siena (1961) by Francesco Messina

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The striking statue of St Catherine of Siena, which stands within the shadow of Castel Sant' Angelo, was carved by the sculptor Francesco Messina (1900-95) to mark the 500th anniversary of her canonisation. 

Catherina di Giacomo di Benincasa was born in Siena on March 25th, 1347, and died in Rome on April 29th, 1380. Her body (albeit minus her head) lies under the high altar of the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. She was canonised by Pope Pius II (r. 1458-64) on June 29th, 1461. Her feast day is April 29th.