Is it possible that such a simple fountain could hold such profound meaning? This, my friends, is the Fontana di San Francesco. It’s nestled in the Piazza Sant’Angelo in Milan and has witnessed nearly a century of this city’s vibrant life.
The Fontana di San Francesco isn’t just any fountain. It’s a monument to peace, a tribute to nature, and a touching testament to familial love. Commissioned in 1923 and inaugurated in 1927, this serene oasis commemorates the 700th anniversary of Italy’s beloved patron saint, Francis of Assisi.
Crafted from unassuming blocks of granite, the fountain centers around a large octagonal basin. From its heart, water bubbles up, cascading into a lower basin meant as a watering hole for animals. Six bronze doves perch on the edge, their forms frozen in perpetual attention. They seem captivated by the bronze figure of Saint Francis, his hand outstretched in a gesture of dialogue.
What you might not realize is that the sculptor, Giannino Castiglioni, used his own son, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, as the model for Saint Francis’ face! This personal touch adds a layer of tenderness to the monument, transforming it from a simple tribute to a father’s love for his child, echoing the love Saint Francis held for all creatures.
Look closely at the fountain’s edge. You’ll find an inscription in Italian, a verse from the “Canticle of the Creatures,” a poem by Saint Francis himself. It reads, “Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, / Which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.” Even in this bustling city, the Fontana di San Francesco calls us to appreciate the simple yet profound beauty of the natural world.