Statue of St. Catherine of Siena
50 Lungotevere Castello Roma
Along the pilgrimage route from Castel Sant’Angelo to St. Peter’s Basilica stands a marble monument honoring Saint Catherine of Siena, one of the great spiritual figures of the Church. Positioned near the gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo, the statue marks a place of quiet reflection on charity, courage, and service.
Created in the mid-20th century by Italian sculptor Francesco Messina, the statue portrays Saint Catherine as a woman of action and compassion. She is shown leaning forward beneath a flowing cloak, suggesting movement and self-giving love rather than stillness—an artistic choice that reflects her lifelong dedication to serving others.
During the Jubilee Year, Fr. Michael Baggot in an episode of Spiritual Espresso with Andreas Thonhauser discussed the significance of St. Catherine's life and the statue's placement near the Vatican and Castel Sant'Angelo.
Surrounding the monument are sculpted reliefs that recall significant moments from her life, offering visual insight into her spiritual mission. A mystic, reformer, and later named Patroness of Italy, Saint Catherine played a pivotal role in Church history, most notably through her efforts to encourage the pope’s return to Rome from Avignon.
Set beneath the trees near Castel Sant’Angelo, this monument invites pilgrims walking toward the Vatican to pause and remember a saint whose faith combined deep prayer with bold action for the unity of the Church.
Featured In:
Saints of Rome - St. Catherine of Siena Self-Guided Walking Tour
Visit the Relics of St. Catherine at the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and discover her influence on the papacy at the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran.
See Also:
Siena
Visit the Tuscan city where St. Catherine grew up and lived as a nun. See her relics at the Basilica of San Domenico and take a stroll to Piazza del Campo, home to the famous Palio horse race. See the map for all the sites related to her life and legacy.
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